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Operatives of the Department of State Services, working with other security agencies and local vigilantes, have rescued a 29-year-old man abducted in Orlu Local Government Area of Imo State and neutralised two suspected members of the kidnapping syndicate.
The victim, identified as Ibeabuchi Adibenma, was kidnapped at about 7pm on Tuesday, August 18, 2026, around Afor-Ogidi Market in Isiala Amaifeke Community while returning from the International Market in Umuna, Orlu.
According to a statement issued by the DSS Imo State Command on Friday, the armed assailants, operating on two motorcycles, intercepted and double-crossed the victim’s vehicle before taking him to an undisclosed location.
After the abduction, the kidnappers contacted the victim’s family and demanded a ransom of N15 million for his release.
In the early hours of Thursday, August 20, security operatives launched a coordinated operation that led to the victim’s rescue at Ihioma Community in Orlu.
Two suspected members of the syndicate were neutralised during the operation. The operatives also recovered two high-calibre weapons and ammunition.
Adibenma was taken into protective custody and has since been reunited with his family.
The DSS said the operation reflects growing collaboration among security agencies and local vigilante groups in Imo State aimed at disrupting criminal networks and preventing the state from becoming a haven for kidnappers and other violent criminals.
The agencies said intelligence gathering, surveillance and joint operations have been intensified across the state. Efforts are ongoing to track down other members of the syndicate who remain at large.
Security agencies have also urged residents to remain vigilant and to promptly provide credible information to assist ongoing efforts to prevent and combat kidnapping and other forms of violent crime in the state.
