Anambra Troops Rescue Three Kidnap Victims, Recover AK-47s and Ammunition

Troops of Operation Udoka have rescued three kidnapped victims and dismantled a suspected kidnapping syndicate’s hideout in Anambra State, recovering arms, ammunition and other operational equipment.

The operation was carried out by troops of the 185 Battalion in collaboration with the Anambra Vigilante Group as part of ongoing efforts to tackle kidnapping and other criminal activities across the South-East.

According to the Nigerian Army, the victims were abducted around the Osakwa General Area in Ihiala Local Government Area before security operatives launched a rescue operation that led to their release.

The Army said troops conducted a snap operation on October 1, 2026, during which they arrested a suspected kidnapper identified as Sunday Obi.

Information reportedly obtained from Obi during interrogation led security operatives to a suspected syndicate camp at Abator in Ogbaru Local Government Area, across the Isieke waterside.

Acting on the intelligence, troops and members of the vigilante group crossed the waterways in canoes and stormed the hideout. The Army said the suspects engaged the troops in a gun battle but were overwhelmed by superior firepower and fled with gunshot wounds.

Recovered items included two AK-47 rifles with magazines, three pump-action guns, three locally fabricated Dane guns, 62 rounds of 7.62mm NATO ammunition and 149 rounds of 7.62mm Special ammunition.

Security operatives also recovered two cartridges and materials suspected to be intended for the fabrication of improvised explosive devices, as well as a solar generator, power bank, car battery, two motorcycle batteries, two solar panels and two mobile phones.

The Army said the recovered items and intelligence from the operation had provided information on the logistics network allegedly supporting kidnapping and other criminal activities in the area.

“Follow-up operations are underway to apprehend fleeing terrorists, their collaborators, logistics suppliers and other facilitators,” the Army stated.

The Nigerian Army said Operation Udoka 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.

It also assured residents that troops would continue working with other security agencies and local stakeholders to strengthen security and protect communities in the region.