Troops of the Joint Task Force South East, Operation UDO KA, have successfully dismantled a suspected terrorist and kidnapping syndicate's hideout in Anambra State. The operation, carried out by the 185 Battalion in collaboration with the Anambra Vigilante Group, resulted in the rescue of three kidnapped victims. The victims were abducted around the Osakwa General Area of Ihiala Local Government Area.
The rescue was a follow-up operation after the abduction. A suspected kidnapper, identified as Sunday Obi, was arrested during a snap operation on October 1, 2026. Information obtained from Obi during interrogation led security operatives to a suspected syndicate camp at Abator in Ogbaru Local Government Area. The location was across the Isieke waterside, and troops used canoes to cross the waterways and gain access to the hideout.
The troops engaged the suspected terrorists when they arrived at the camp, forcing them to flee with gunshot wounds. The operation resulted in the recovery of two AK-47 rifles with magazines, three pump-action guns, and three locally fabricated Dane guns. Additionally, troops recovered 62 rounds of 7.62mm NATO ammunition, 149 rounds of 7.62mm Special ammunition, and two cartridges.
Materials suspected to be intended for the fabrication of improvised explosive devices were also found at the location. Other items recovered from the hideout included a solar generator, power bank, car battery, two motorcycle batteries, two solar panels, and two mobile phones. These recoveries provided further intelligence on the logistical network allegedly supporting kidnapping and other criminal activities in the area.
The Nigerian Army said follow-up operations were ongoing to apprehend the fleeing suspects, their collaborators, logistics suppliers, and other facilitators in the hideout. The Army added that troops under Operation UDO KA would continue working with other security agencies and local stakeholders to disrupt criminal networks and protect communities across the South-East.
The operation was carried out on October 2, 2026, according to a report by Spice Radio Nigeria. The journalist, Rasheed Aladejana, reported on the incident, providing details of the operation and the items recovered. The Army urged continued cooperation from residents as security forces sustain intelligence-driven operations in the region.
The successful operation demonstrates the commitment of the Nigerian Army to tackling insecurity in the South-East region. The Army's efforts to disrupt criminal networks and protect communities have been ongoing, with collaboration from other security agencies and local stakeholders. The rescue of the three kidnapped victims is a significant achievement in this effort.
Key points
- The Nigerian Army rescued three kidnapped victims and recovered a cache of firearms and equipment from a suspected terrorist hideout in Anambra State.
- A suspected kidnapper, Sunday Obi, was arrested, leading to the discovery of the hideout and the rescue of the victims.
- Follow-up operations are ongoing to apprehend fleeing suspects and disrupt criminal networks in the region.
