Soldiers dismantle kidnap gang and recover ransom in Imo
Troops from the 34 Artillery Brigade have broken up a kidnapping syndicate in Imo State. According to the Nigerian Army, the operation led to the recovery of suspected ransom money and a vehicle linked to the crime. Lt. Col. Olabisi Olalekan Ayeni said the mission was based on actionable intelligence and involved other security agencies. The rescued victim reportedly identified one of the arrested suspects as a participant in the abduction.
What happened
- The operation was conducted on July 17, 2026, in Obinwanne Umuaka, Njaba Local Government Area.
- Security forces recovered a bag used for ransom payments, which was abandoned in a bush, and arrested a suspect at a residential building.
- A black Lexus saloon car, mobile phones, identity documents, and ₦298,200 in cash suspected to be ransom were found during the search.
- The victim confirmed the arrested suspect’s involvement, and preliminary findings revealed he provided his vehicle and received a share of the ransom.
- The suspect and recovered items were handed over to the Department of State Services, while efforts continue to find other syndicate members, including the alleged kingpin.
