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The Defence Headquarters has confirmed the arrest of three suspects in connection with the abduction of the Anambra State Commander of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Daniel Onyishi.
Onyishi was kidnapped on June 12, 2025, in Awka, and fortunately regained his freedom ten days later, on June 22.
According to Major General Markus Kangye, Director of Defence Media Operations, the arrests were carried out by troops of Operation UDO KA in collaboration with operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS). The joint operation targeted the residence of the suspected kidnappers, who are also linked to the Eastern Security Network (ESN).
The suspects have been identified as Emeka Ede, Okwudili Aja, and Onyebuchi Aja.
“Intelligence reports revealed that the suspects masterminded the kidnapping of the NDLEA Commander,” Maj. Gen. Kangye stated during a media briefing in Abuja on Thursday, July 3, 2025.
In a series of other coordinated military operations between June 28 and June 30, troops also engaged terrorists in Owerri West and Ihiala LGAs, spanning Imo and Anambra States. These offensives led to the arrest of 21 individuals suspected of involvement in illicit drug activities.
Recovered items from the raids included arms, ammunition, materials used for making improvised explosive devices (IEDs), as well as vehicles, motorcycles, and mobile phones.
Additionally, on June 26, troops acting on credible intelligence apprehended two individuals at a Point-of-Sale (POS) shop allegedly linked to a financier of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and its armed wing, ESN, in Ihiala LGA.
Recovered from the suspects were eight mobile phones, transaction books, and N1.5 million in cash.
All arrested individuals are currently undergoing interrogation as investigations continue.
