Troops of Operation Udoka have rescued three kidnap victims and dismantled a suspected terrorist and kidnapping syndicate’s hideout in Anambra State, recovering arms, ammunition and other operational equipment.
The operation was carried out by troops of the 185 Battalion in collaboration with the Anambra Vigilante Group as part of ongoing efforts to disrupt terrorist and criminal networks operating across the South-East.
According to the Nigerian Army, the three victims were abducted around the Osakwa General Area of Ihiala Local Government Area before troops, working alongside vigilantes, launched a rescue operation and recovered them.
The Army said troops conducted a snap operation on October 1, 2026, resulting in the arrest of a suspected kidnapper identified as Sunday Obi.
It said information obtained from Obi during interrogation led troops to the syndicate’s camp at Abator in Ogbaru Local Government Area, across the Isieke waterside.
Acting on the intelligence, the combined forces moved towards the area in canoes to cross the waterways and gain access to the hideout.
The Army said the troops engaged the suspected terrorists with superior firepower, forcing them to flee with gunshot wounds.
The operation resulted in the recovery of two AK-47 rifles with magazines, three pump-action guns, three locally fabricated Dane guns, 62 rounds of 7.62mm NATO ammunition and 149 rounds of 7.62mm Special ammunition.
Troops also recovered two cartridges and materials suspected to be intended for the fabrication of improvised explosive devices.
Other items recovered included a solar generator, power bank, car battery, two motorcycle batteries, two solar panels and two mobile phones.
The Army said the recovered items provided further insight into the logistics supporting kidnapping and other criminal activities in the area, while generating additional intelligence for ongoing operations targeting the wider network.
It said Operation Udoka would continue with 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.
“Follow-up operations are underway to apprehend fleeing terrorists, their collaborators, logistics suppliers and other facilitators,” the Army said.
It added that troops would continue working with relevant security agencies and local stakeholders to strengthen security and protect communities across the region.