Anambra: Troops Rescue Three Kidnap Victims, Storm Criminal Camp

ABUJA: Security forces operating under Operation Udoka have rescued three kidnap victims and raided a suspected terrorist and kidnapping syndicate’s camp in Anambra State, recovering a cache of weapons, ammunition and other equipment.

The operation involved troops of the 185 Battalion working alongside the Anambra Vigilante Group as security forces intensified efforts to dismantle criminal networks operating in the South-East.

The Nigerian Army said the three victims had been kidnapped around the Osakwa General Area of Ihiala Local Government Area. A joint rescue operation was subsequently launched, leading to their recovery.

The Army said a breakthrough came on October 1, 2026, when troops carried out a snap operation that resulted in the arrest of a suspected kidnapper, identified as Sunday Obi.

Investigators obtained information from the suspect that led them to a suspected syndicate camp at Abator in Ogbaru Local Government Area, located across the Isieke waterside.

Using canoes to navigate the waterways, the combined troops moved into the area and raided the hideout.

According to the Army, the troops engaged the suspected terrorists with superior firepower, forcing them to abandon the camp and escape with gunshot wounds.

Among the weapons recovered were two AK-47 rifles with magazines, three pump-action guns and three locally manufactured Dane guns.

The troops also recovered 62 rounds of 7.62mm NATO ammunition, 149 rounds of 7.62mm Special ammunition and two cartridges.

Security forces further discovered materials suspected to be intended for making improvised explosive devices.

Other equipment recovered from the camp included a solar generator, power bank, car battery, two motorcycle batteries, two solar panels and two mobile phones.

The Army said the discoveries shed more light on the logistics used to support kidnapping and other criminal activities in the area, while the intelligence gathered would assist operations against the broader network.

It said Operation Udoka would continue its coordinated kinetic and intelligence-led operations to dismantle criminal camps, disrupt supply and logistics networks and prevent criminal groups from establishing 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.

The military said it would also maintain cooperation with relevant security agencies and local stakeholders to improve security and protect communities throughout the region.

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