Troops of Operation Udoka have rescued three kidnapped victims and dismantled a suspected kidnapping and terrorist syndicate’s hideout in Anambra State, recovering arms, ammunition and other operational equipment.
The operation was conducted by troops of the 185 Battalion in collaboration with the Anambra Vigilante Group as part of ongoing security operations against criminal activities across the South-East.
By Enitan Mudashiru | MUK TV News
According to the Nigerian Army, the victims were abducted around the Osakwa General Area of Ihiala Local Government Area before troops launched a rescue operation that secured their release.
The Army said that on Thursday, October 1, 2026, troops conducted a snap operation which led to the arrest of a suspected kidnapper identified as Sunday Obi.
Information reportedly obtained from the suspect during interrogation led security operatives to a suspected criminal camp at Abator in Ogbaru Local Government Area, across the Isieke waterside.
Acting on the intelligence, the troops, alongside members of the vigilante group, crossed the waterways in canoes and raided the suspected hideout.
The Army said the suspects engaged the security operatives in a gun battle but were overwhelmed by the troops’ firepower and fled the area with reported gunshot wounds.
Recovered items included two AK-47 rifles with magazines, three pump-action firearms, three locally fabricated Dane guns, 62 rounds of 7.62mm NATO ammunition and 149 rounds of 7.62mm Special ammunition.
Security operatives also recovered two cartridges and materials suspected to be intended for the fabrication of improvised explosive devices.
Other items recovered from the hideout included a solar generator, power bank, car battery, two motorcycle batteries, two solar panels and two mobile phones.
The Nigerian Army said the discoveries could provide useful intelligence into the logistics network supporting kidnapping and other criminal activities in the area.
It added that follow up operations were ongoing to apprehend the fleeing suspects, their alleged collaborators, logistics suppliers and other facilitators.
The Army further said Operation Udoka would sustain coordinated kinetic and intelligence driven operations aimed at dismantling criminal enclaves, disrupting their logistics and supply chains, and denying criminal elements safe havens across the South-East.
It assured residents that troops would continue to work with other security agencies and local stakeholders to strengthen security and protect communities across the region.
