Army Raids Kidnap Syndicate Camp, Recovers Weapons in Anambra
Troops of the Joint Task Force South East, Operation UDO KA, have destroyed a suspected terrorist hideout in Anambra State and recovered a cache of weapons, ammunition and other items believed to have been used by criminal networks operating in the area. The operation was carried out by troops of 185 Battalion in collaboration with the Anambra Vigilante Group following the abduction of three people around the Osakwa General Area of Ihiala Local Government Area. The victims were later rescued by the troops. According to the Nigerian Army, on October 1, 2026, soldiers conducted a snap operation that led to the arrest of a suspected kidnapper identified as Sunday Obi. Information reportedly obtained during interrogation directed the security forces to a suspected syndicate camp at Abator in Ogbaru Local Government Area, across the Isieke waterside. Acting on the intelligence, the troops moved to the location by canoe and accessed the hideout, where they engaged the suspected terrorists. The Army said the suspects fled the area with gunshot wounds during the encounter.
The operation resulted in the recovery of two AK-47 rifles with magazines, three pump-action guns and three locally fabricated Dane guns. Troops also recovered 62 rounds of 7.62mm NATO ammunition, 149 rounds of 7.62mm Special ammunition, two cartridges and materials suspected to be intended for the fabrication of improvised explosive devices. Other items found at the camp included a solar generator, power bank, car battery, two motorcycle batteries, two solar panels and two mobile phones. The Army said the recovered items provided further insight into the logistical network allegedly supporting kidnapping and other criminal activities in the area. It added that follow-up operations were underway to apprehend the fleeing suspects, their collaborators, logistics suppliers and other facilitators. The Nigerian Army said Operation UDO KA would continue coordinated operations with other security agencies and local stakeholders to disrupt terrorist and criminal networks and protect communities across the South East.
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