Troops of the 34 Artillery Brigade, in collaboration with the Nigerian Navy, Nigerian Air Force, Nigeria Police Force, Department of State Services, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps and local vigilantes, have arrested five suspected members of a kidnapping syndicate linked to the abduction of National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members in Imo State.
Security sources said the arrests were made on Oct. 15, 2026, during a joint operation in the Irete/Orogwe general area of Owerri West Local Government Area.
The operation followed the rescue of the abducted corps members on Oct. 7 by the joint security team.
During the latest operation, the operatives reportedly recovered three AK-47 rifles, one English-made pistol and 81 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition.
The suspects were allegedly linked to the syndicate involved in the abduction, while investigations are expected to establish their individual roles and identify other members of the criminal network.
Security operations are ongoing to track down additional suspects and dismantle the syndicate.
The arrests represent a further step in the investigation into the abduction and the broader effort to tackle kidnapping and armed criminality in Imo State.- By Zagazola Makama
