Troops dismantle kidnap syndicate, recover ransom, vehicle in Imo

By Imisioluwa Afunmiso

Troops of the 34 Artillery Brigade under Operation UDO KA, in collaboration with other security agencies, have dismantled a suspected kidnap syndicate in Imo State, recovering part of a ransom payment and a vehicle allegedly used in the crime.

The operation, which was carried out on Friday, July 17, followed credible intelligence and led to the arrest of a suspect in Obinwanne Umuaka, Njaba Local Government Area of the state.

According to the Nigerian Army, troops conducted a cordon and search operation during which they recovered a bag allegedly used to transport ransom payments. The bag was found abandoned in a nearby bush, suggesting the proceeds had already been shared among members of the gang.

The Army said further intelligence exploitation led to the arrest of a suspect at a residential building in the community.

A search of the premises reportedly led to the recovery of a black Lexus saloon car believed to have been used in the kidnapping operation, mobile phones, identity documents and N298,200 suspected to be part of the ransom collected from the victim.

The victim, who was rescued during the operation, was said to have identified the arrested suspect as one of those involved in the abduction.

Preliminary investigations indicated that the suspect allegedly provided his vehicle to the gang’s principal actor to execute the kidnapping and later received a share of the ransom.

The Army said the suspect and all recovered exhibits had been handed over to the Department of State Services (DSS) for further investigation and efforts to apprehend other members of the syndicate, including the alleged kingpin who remains at large.

It noted that the operation reflected the effectiveness of intelligence-led operations and sustained collaboration among security agencies in tackling kidnapping and other violent crimes across the South-East.