Troops of the Nigerian Army have arrested a suspected member of a kidnapping syndicate and recovered cash believed to be part of a ransom payment in Imo State. This highlights recent activity of an Imo kidnapping syndicate in the region.
According to The Punch, the Army disclosed the development in a statement posted on its official X account on Sunday. The statement was signed by the Acting Deputy Director, Army Public Relations, 82 Division, Lt. Col. Olabisi Olalekan Ayeni.
Ayeni said troops of the 34 Artillery Brigade, operating under Operation UDO KA, conducted the intelligence-led operation on July 17, 2026. They did this in collaboration with other security agencies. It is noteworthy that an Imo kidnapping syndicate has been targeting victims in the area, prompting such military operations.
Troops launched a cordon-and-search operation in Obinwanne Umuaka, Njaba Local Government Area, after receiving actionable intelligence about the suspected kidnappers. The kidnappers are believed to belong to the active Imo kidnapping syndicate.
Cash, vehicle recovered
During the operation, security personnel reportedly found a bag used to transport ransom payments abandoned in a nearby bush. This further links the activities to the Imo kidnapping syndicate under military investigation.
The Army said the discovery suggested that members of the suspected gang had already shared the ransom proceeds.
“Further exploitation of intelligence led to the arrest of a suspect at a residential building,” the statement said.
A search of the building reportedly led to the recovery of a black Lexus saloon car believed to have been used during the kidnapping.
Troops also recovered mobile phones, identity documents and ₦298,200 in cash. The cash is suspected to be part of the ransom collected by the gang.
Victim identifies suspect
The Army said the rescued victim later identified the arrested man as one of those allegedly involved in the abduction.
Preliminary investigations also indicated that the suspect allegedly provided his vehicle to the principal member of the gang for the kidnapping operation.
The suspect reportedly received a portion of the ransom after the victim’s relatives made the payment.
“The rescued victim later confirmed the involvement of the arrested individual in the abduction,” Ayeni said.
“Preliminary findings also revealed that the suspect had facilitated the operation by providing his vehicle to the syndicate’s principal actor and had received a portion of the ransom.”
The Army handed the suspect and all recovered items to the Department of State Services for further investigation.
Security agencies are also searching for other members of the alleged syndicate, including the suspected leader, who remains at large.
The Army said the operation demonstrated the importance of intelligence gathering and cooperation among security agencies. This is vital in combating kidnapping and other violent crimes in the South-East.
The suspect remains presumed innocent until proven guilty by a court.
