The Department of State Services (DSS), in collaboration with other security agencies and local vigilantes, has rescued a 29-year-old man abducted in Orlu Local Government Area of Imo State and neutralised two suspected members of the kidnapping syndicate.

A security source said the victim was abducted last Tuesday around Afor-Ogidi Market in the Isiala Amaifeke community while returning home from the International Market, Umuna, Orlu.

According to the source, the assailants, who were armed with assault rifles and operating on two motorcycles, blocked the victim’s vehicle, abducted him and took him to an undisclosed location.

The kidnappers subsequently contacted the victim’s family and demanded a N15 million ransom for his release.
However, in the early hours of Thursday, the victim was rescued at Ihioma Community, Orlu, following a coordinated intelligence-led operation involving the DSS, other security forces and local vigilantes.

“During the operation, two suspected members of the kidnapping syndicate were neutralised, while two high-calibre weapons and ammunition were recovered,” the source said.

The victim was subsequently secured by the security forces and reunited with his family.

The source said the operation underscored the growing collaboration among security agencies and local vigilantes in efforts to disrupt kidnapping networks and prevent criminal elements from using communities as safe havens.