Troops bust kidnap syndicate, recover suspected ransom money, vehicle in Imo

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By Kingsley Omonobi

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Troops of the 34 Artillery Brigade under Operation Udoka, in collaboration with other security agencies, have disrupted a suspected kidnapping syndicate in Imo State during an intelligence-led operation.

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The operation, conducted on July 17, 2026, led to the arrest of a suspect, the recovery of cash suspected to be part of a ransom payment, and the seizure of a vehicle allegedly used in the crime.

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Acting Deputy Director, Army Public Relations, Lieutenant Colonel Olabisi Ayeni, disclosed this in a statement on Sunday.

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According to him, troops carried out a cordon-and-search operation in Obinwanne Umuaka, Njaba Local Government Area, following credible intelligence.

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During the operation, security personnel recovered a bag allegedly used to transport ransom payments, which had been abandoned in a nearby bush.

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Ayeni said further intelligence exploitation led to the arrest of a suspect at a residential building.

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A search of the premises reportedly uncovered a black Lexus saloon car believed to have been used during the kidnapping, along with mobile phones, identity documents and ₦298,200 in cash suspected to be part of the ransom proceeds.

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He added that the rescued victim identified the suspect as one of those involved in the abduction.

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Preliminary investigations, according to the Army, indicate that the suspect allegedly provided his vehicle for the operation and received a share of the ransom.

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The suspect and all recovered items have been handed over to the Department of State Services (DSS) for further investigation and efforts to apprehend other members of the syndicate, including the alleged kingpin, who remains at large.

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The Army said the operation underscores the effectiveness of intelligence-led security operations and the continued collaboration among security agencies in tackling kidnapping and other violent crimes in the South-East.

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