Troops of Operation UDO KA and other sister security agencies smash a kidnap gang in Imo State and arrest some officers of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defense Corps (NSCDC) and Nigeria Correctional Services who allegedly turned criminals
By Chinedu Oguh, Port Harcourt
Troops of the 34 Artillery Brigade operating under Operation UDO KA, in collaboration with other security agencies, have recorded another significant breakthrough in the fight against kidnapping and violent crime with the dismantling of a suspected kidnap syndicate in Njaba Local Government Area of Imo State.
The successful operation, carried out on July 17, 2026, followed credible intelligence that led security operatives to the hideout of the suspected criminal network operating within the area.
According to a statement issued by the Acting Deputy Director Army Public Relations, 82 Division Enugu, Lieutenant Colonel Olabisi Olalekan Ayeni, acting on intelligence, troops launched a coordinated cordon and search operation at Obinwanne, Umaka, where they uncovered crucial evidence believed to be linked to recent kidnapping activities.
During the operation, security personnel recovered a bag reportedly used in conveying ransom payments, which had been abandoned inside a nearby bush. Preliminary findings suggested that the ransom money had already been shared among members of the criminal syndicate before the security operation.
Further intelligence exploitation led troops to a residential building where the suspect was arrested in connection with the kidnapping operation.
A thorough search of the premises resulted in the recovery of a black Lexus Saloon vehicle allegedly used by the kidnapper during the abduction. Security operatives also recovered several mobile phones, identity documents and ₦298,200 in cash believed to be part of ransom collected from the victim’s family.
According to security sources, the rescued victim positively identified the arrested suspect as one of those involved in the kidnapping, further strengthening the ongoing investigation.
Preliminary investigations also revealed that the suspect allegedly played a supporting role by making his vehicle available to the principal suspect who coordinated the operation and subsequently received a share of the ransom proceeds.
The Nigerian Army disclosed that the arrested suspect, alongside the recovered exhibit has been handed over to the Department of State Services (DSS) for comprehensive investigation and further intelligence operations aimed at apprehending other fleeing members of the gang including the suspected kingpin who still remains at large.
The military noted that the successful operation demonstrates the effectiveness of intelligence-led security operations and the growing synergy among security agencies in tackling kidnapping, organized crime and other security threats across the South-East.
Authorities reaffirmed their commitment to sustaining coordinated operations against criminal elements while urging residents to continue supporting security agencies with timely and credible information capable of enhancing ongoing efforts to secure lives and property.
The statement further reiterated the military’s resolve to ensure that criminal groups operating within the region are dismantled and brought to justice.
Similarly, a high-profile security operative and former commander of disbanded Ebubeagu security outfit in Ebonyi State popularly known as “Japan” has been arrested by the Nigerian military in Enugu State for his alleged involvement in a major kidnapping ring.
Japan who once served as a close security aide to the former Governor of Ebonyi State and current Minister of Works, David Umahi was apprehended in Emene axis of Enugu.
Preliminary reports indicate that the suspect had been evading security scrutiny in Enugu State by embedding himself within a local neighborhood watch group. Utilizing his position as a perfect cover, Japan allegedly gathered intelligence, monitored high-value targets, and coordinated several kidnapping incidents across Enugu and its environs before military operatives finally closed in on his hideout.
Before his arrest, Tentacle gathered that Japan was a heavily influential figure in Ebonyi State’s security architecture. He was appointed by the then Governor Dave Umahi to lead the controversial Ebubeagu Security Outfit – a regional vigilante group established to combat rising insecurity in the South East.
Tentacle investigations revealed that during his tenure, the outfit faced several backlashes. Human rights organizations and opposition parties frequently accused Ebubeagu, under Japan’s direct command of executing extrajudicial assignment, political intimidation and various human rights abuses across Ebonyi State.
The security outfit’s operations came to a halt when a Federal High Court sitting in Abakaliki ordered the immediate disbandment of Ebubeagu in Ebonyi State citing systemic illegalities and right violations.
Following the court’s dissolution of the group and the transition of power, Japan reportedly fled Ebonyi State, and eventually resurfaced in Emene, Enugu where he allegedly transitioned into a life of clandestine criminal operations.
Tentacle further gathered that the suspect remains in military custody, where he is undergoing intense interrogation to unmask other members of his syndicate, including their financiers, and weapon suppliers.
Also, troops of the Joint Task Force South-East Operation UDO KA have arrested two officers of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) and a Nigerian Correctional Service over their alleged involvement in an illegal arms supply network linked to criminal elements in the South East.
The suspects are Assistant Superintendent II Obaji Sampson, Superintendent Tasie Victor Nnamdi, the unit armorer of NSCDC, Enugu State Command and Assistant Superintendent of Correctional Service, Ekwueme Onyebuchi Clement.
The Nigerian Army said the arrest followed intelligence-led operations conducted in collaboration with other security agencies as part of efforts to dismantle criminal networks operating in the region.
Preliminary investigations allegedly identified Nnamdi as the principal supplier of the weapons, while Clement was said to be a major recipient.
Acting on further intelligence, troops raided a residence at Achara Road, Trans-Ekulu, Golf Estate in Enugu State where they arrested a suspected IPOB/ESN member and alleged gun runner Friday Nnanna.
According to reports, security operatives recovered 247 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition, 12 rounds of 9mm pistol ammunition, 29 rounds of live cartridges, four pump-action guns, a Beretta pistol, improvised explosive device-making materials, military accoutrements, assorted weapons, 11 vehicles registration plates and four vehicles.
