Troops of the Joint Task Force South East, Operation UDO KA, have successfully dismantled a terrorist hideout in Anambra State, rescuing three kidnapped victims and recovering various weapons and equipment. The operation was carried out by troops of 185 Battalion in collaboration with the Anambra Vigilante Group as part of efforts to disrupt terrorist networks and protect communities across the South-East. The operation followed the abduction of three persons around the Osakwa General Area of Ihiala Local Government Area.
According to an official operational report obtained by the Nigerian Tribune, the victims were rescued on October 1, 2026, and a suspected kidnapper, Sunday Obi, was arrested. During interrogation, Obi provided information that led troops to the location of the syndicate's camp at Abator in Ogbaru Local Government Area. The report stated that combined troops launched an operation to the identified location, employing canoes to cross the waterways and access the terrorist hideout.
On reaching the area, troops engaged the terrorists with overwhelming 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. Additionally, troops 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 recovery provided further insight into the logistical infrastructure supporting terrorist and kidnapping activities in the area, generating additional intelligence for efforts to dismantle the wider network.
The Nigerian Army reaffirmed that troops under Operation UDO KA would sustain coordinated kinetic and intelligence-driven operations aimed at dismantling terrorist 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 troops will continue to work with relevant security agencies and local stakeholders to strengthen security and safeguard communities across the region. The operation is part of ongoing efforts to protect communities and deny criminal elements freedom of action. The Anambra Vigilante Group played a significant role in the operation, providing collaboration and support to the troops.
The successful operation demonstrates the commitment of the Nigerian troops to tackling terrorism and kidnapping in the South-East region. The troops' efforts have led to the rescue of kidnap victims and the recovery of significant equipment and materials used by the terrorists. Key equipment recovered included AK-47 rifles, pump-action guns, and materials for improvised explosive devices.
Key points
- Nigerian troops rescue 3 kidnap victims, recover assorted weapons and equipment in Anambra State.
- Troops dismantle terrorist hideout, disrupt logistics and supply chains in the South-East region.
- Operation UDO KA troops to sustain coordinated kinetic and intelligence-driven operations against terrorists.
