Soldiers Dismantle Kidnap Syndicate in Imo State

On July 17, 2026, troops from the 34 Artillery Brigade of the Nigerian Army conducted an operation in Imo State, targeting a kidnapping syndicate based on intelligence reports. The operation, which took place in the Njaba Local Government Area, involved a cordon and search of the Obinwann and Umuaka areas.

During the operation, soldiers recovered a bag containing cash amounting to ₦298,200, believed to be part of a ransom payment, which was abandoned in a nearby bush. Following the recovery, further intelligence led to the arrest of suspects at a residential building, where a black Lexus saloon car, mobile phones, and identification documents were also uncovered.

Lt. Col.

Olabisi Olalekan Ayeni, Deputy Director of Army Public Relations for the 82 Division, stated that the suspects were involved in the abduction of a victim and facilitated the operations of the syndicate. The operation underscored the effectiveness of intelligence-driven missions and collaboration among security agencies in combating kidnapping and violent crime in the southeastern region of Nigeria.