Troops of the Joint Task Force South East, Operation UDO KA, have dismantled a suspected terrorist and kidnapping syndicate hideout in Anambra State, recovering several weapons, ammunition and other items believed to have been used by the criminal group.
The operation followed the abduction of three people around the Osakwa General Area of Ihiala Local Government Area. The victims were subsequently rescued by troops working alongside members of the Anambra Vigilante Group.
According to the Nigerian Army, troops of the 185 Battalion carried out a follow up operation on October 1, 2026, during which a suspected kidnapper identified as Sunday Obi was arrested...READ THE FULL ARTICLE HERE .
Information reportedly obtained during his interrogation led security forces to a suspected criminal camp at Abator in Ogbaru Local Government Area, across the Isieke waterside.
The troops subsequently moved towards the location using canoes to cross the waterways and gain access to the suspected hideout.
The Army said the troops encountered the suspected terrorists at the camp, resulting in an exchange of gunfire. The suspects reportedly fled into the surrounding area with gunshot wounds.
A search of the hideout resulted in the recovery of two AK 47 rifles with magazines, three pump action guns and three locally fabricated Dane guns.
The troops also recovered 62 rounds of 7.62mm NATO ammunition and 149 rounds of 7.62mm Special ammunition, alongside two cartridges.
Security personnel further discovered materials suspected to be intended for the fabrication of improvised explosive devices.
Other items recovered from the location included a solar generator, power bank, car battery, two motorcycle batteries, two solar panels and two mobile phones.
The Army said the recovered weapons and equipment could provide additional intelligence on the logistics and operations of the suspected kidnapping and criminal network operating in the area.
The security operation is part of continuing efforts by Operation UDO KA to disrupt criminal networks and prevent them from establishing safe havens across the South East.
Following the raid, troops commenced further operations aimed at locating the suspects who escaped from the hideout, as well as identifying and apprehending individuals suspected of collaborating with or providing logistics to the group.
The Army said its personnel would continue working with other security agencies and local stakeholders to strengthen security and protect communities across the region.
The operation comes amid continuing security concerns in parts of Anambra and other South Eastern states, where security agencies have been conducting intelligence driven operations against kidnapping and other forms of violent criminality.
