By Sophia Afolabi
Troops of Operation UDO KA operating under the 14 Brigade of the Nigerian Army have raided a suspected kidnappers’ enclave in the Olokoro area of Abia State, arresting three suspected ritualists.
The operation formed part of the military’s ongoing security offensive codenamed “Operation EASTERN SANITY,” aimed at restoring peace and stability across the South-East region.
According to a statement issued by the Acting Deputy Director of Army Public Relations, 82 Division, Lieutenant Colonel Olabisi Olalekan Ayeni, the raid followed credible intelligence on the activities of suspected kidnappers and ritualists operating within forested areas of Olokoro.
Ayeni said the troops targeted several hideouts believed to be used by the suspects.
“In a decisive operation underscoring its resolve to completely restore sanity to the South-Eastern region, troops of OPERATION UDO KA operating under 14 Brigade Nigerian Army (NA) have recorded significant success in the ongoing Operation EASTERN SANITY,” the statement said.
He explained that acting on actionable intelligence, troops stormed the criminal hideouts during a carefully coordinated operation.
“Acting on credible intelligence, troops stormed several hideouts believed to be used by suspected kidnappers and ritualists operating within the forested areas of Olokoro in Abia State,” Ayeni stated.
During the raid, the soldiers uncovered what the army described as a shrine used for ritual activities and spiritual fortification by alleged IPOB and ESN members.
“During the operation, a shrine employed for IPOB/ESN ritual activities and fortification was uncovered and subsequently destroyed in order to deny the criminals any sanctuary,” the statement added.
The military said three suspects, aged in their 20s and 30s, were arrested during the operation. The suspects were reportedly already on the watch list of security agencies over allegations linked to ritual killings and kidnapping operations.
“Three suspects, in their 20s and 30s who have been on the security agencies’ watch-list for unholy sacrifices, murder and exploiting kidnap victims for rituals, were arrested during the raid,” Ayeni said.
Troops also recovered several items believed to have been used in the suspects’ criminal activities. The items include identification cards, ATM cards, empty ammunition cases, a motorcycle, and a bag containing suspected illicit substances.
“Items recovered include different ID cards, ATM cards, empty cases of ammunition, a motorcycle, a bag containing suspected illicit substances, mobile phones and machetes used for their criminal activities,” the statement noted.
The Nigerian Army said the operation is still ongoing as troops continue combing the Olokoro forest and surrounding areas in search of other suspected criminal camps and individuals linked to kidnapping and ritual activities.
“The clearance operation is still ongoing as troops continue combing the Olokoro forest general area in search of other camps, in pursuit of other kidnappers and ritualist and recovery of arms, ammunition, and other items used for their nefarious activities,” Ayeni added.
The army reaffirmed its determination to sustain pressure on criminal groups threatening security in Abia State and the wider South-East.
