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The Nigerian troops operating under Operation Udo Ka and 14 Brigade have raided suspected kidnappers’ and ritualists’ hideouts in Olokoro, Abia State.
The troops’ spokesperson, Lieutenant Colonel Olabisi Olalekan Ayeni, disclosed this in a statement on Thursday.
Ayeni said the operation led to the arrest of three individuals linked to the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and Eastern Security Network (ESN).
“Acting on credible intelligence, on 11 March 2026, troops stormed several hideouts believed to be used by suspected kidnappers and ritualists operating with Indigenous People of Biafra and Eastern Security Network within the forested areas of Olokoro in Abia State,” Ayemi said.
He added that a shrine used for IPOB/ESN ritual activities was uncovered and destroyed during the raid to deny the suspects a place of sanctuary.
According to Ayeni, the arrested suspects, aged in their 20s and 30s, had been on security agencies’ watchlists for involvement in kidnapping, murder, and exploiting victims for ritual purposes.
Items recovered from the hideouts included identity and ATM cards, empty ammunition cases, a motorcycle, a bag containing suspected illicit substances, mobile phones, and machetes allegedly used in criminal activities.
The spokesperson said the clearance operation is ongoing, with troops continuing to comb the Olokoro forest for additional camps, arms, and other suspects.
Ayeni urged the public to continue providing timely and credible information to security agencies, noting that community cooperation is vital to dismantling criminal networks and restoring lasting peace.
