By Gabriel Ameh
Troops of the Joint Task Force South East, Operation UDO KA, have rescued three kidnapped victims and dismantled a suspected kidnap and terrorist hideout in Anambra State.
The operation, conducted by troops of the 185 Battalion in collaboration with the Anambra Vigilante Group, also resulted in the arrest of a suspected kidnapper and the recovery of several firearms, ammunition and other logistical items.
The Nigerian Army said the operation followed the abduction of three persons around the Osakwa General Area in Ihiala Local Government Area of Anambra State.
Troops and members of the vigilante group subsequently launched a rescue operation and successfully recovered the three victims.
On October 1, 2026, troops arrested a suspected kidnapper identified as Sunday Obi during a snap operation.
According to the Army, information obtained from the suspect led troops to a suspected criminal camp at Abator in Ogbaru Local Government Area, across the Isieke waterside.
Acting on the intelligence, the troops crossed the waterways in canoes and stormed the identified hideout, engaging the occupants.
The Army said the suspects fled the area with gunshot wounds following the encounter.
Troops subsequently recovered two AK-47 rifles with magazines, three pump-action guns and three locally fabricated Dane guns from the camp.
The operation also led to the recovery of 62 rounds of 7.62mm NATO ammunition, 149 rounds of 7.62mm Special ammunition and two cartridges.
According to the Army, materials suspected to be intended for the fabrication of improvised explosive devices were also recovered.
Other items found at the hideout included a solar generator, power bank, car battery, two motorcycle batteries, two solar panels and two mobile phones.
The Nigerian Army said the recovery had provided additional intelligence on the logistical network allegedly supporting kidnapping and terrorist activities in the area.
It added that follow-up operations were ongoing to apprehend the fleeing suspects, their collaborators, logistics suppliers and other facilitators.
The Army further stated that Operation UDO KA would continue coordinated kinetic and intelligence-driven operations aimed at dismantling criminal enclaves, disrupting their logistics and supply chains, and denying criminal elements safe havens across the South-East.
Credit: Nigerian Army
