Army rescues three kidnap victims, destroys suspected terrorist camp in Anambra

Troops of the Nigerian Army’s Joint Task Force South East, Operation UDO KA, have rescued three kidnap victims and dismantled a suspected terrorist camp in Anambra State.

The operation, conducted by troops of 185 Battalion in collaboration with the Anambra Vigilante Group, also led to the arrest of a suspected kidnapper and the recovery of firearms, ammunition and other materials allegedly linked to kidnapping and other criminal activities.

The Army disclosed the development in a statement issued on Friday, October 2, following the abduction of three persons around the Osakwa General Area in Ihiala Local Government Area of the state.

According to the statement, the victims were rescued by the troops, while a follow-up operation on October 1 led to the arrest of one of the suspected kidnappers, identified as Sunday Obi.

The Army said information obtained from the suspect led troops to the location of the group’s camp at Abator in Ogbaru Local Government Area, across the Isieke waterside.

Acting on the intelligence, the troops used canoes to cross the waterways and access the suspected hideout, where they engaged the occupants in a gun battle.

The Army said the terrorists fled the location with gunshot wounds after troops brought what it described as “overwhelming firepower” to bear on the camp.

Recovered from the camp were 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.

The troops also recovered two cartridges and materials suspected to be intended for the fabrication of improvised explosive devices.

Other items recovered included a solar generator, power bank, car battery, two motorcycle batteries, two solar panels and two mobile phones.

The Army said the recovery had exposed part of the logistical network allegedly supporting kidnapping and terrorist activities in the area, while providing additional intelligence for ongoing operations.

It added that follow-up operations were underway to apprehend the fleeing suspects, their alleged collaborators, logistics suppliers and other facilitators.

The Army said Operation UDO KA would sustain coordinated kinetic and intelligence-driven operations across the South-East, working with other security agencies and local stakeholders to disrupt criminal networks and protect communities.