The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has announced the arrest of three suspects linked to 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, the Anambra State capital, and regained his freedom on June 22.

 

The Director of Defence Media Operations, Major General Markus Kangye, made this known on Thursday, July 3, 2025, while briefing journalists on military operations conducted in the second quarter of the year in Abuja.

 

Kangye identified the suspects as Emeka Ede, Okwudili Aja, and Onyebuchi Aja. He revealed that the arrest followed a coordinated raid by troops of Operation UDO KA in collaboration with operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) at the residence of the suspected kidnappers, believed to be members of the Eastern Security Network (ESN).

 

“Intelligence reports confirmed that the suspects masterminded the kidnapping of the NDLEA Commander of Anambra State on June 12,” Kangye stated.

 

In a related development, the military also conducted offensive operations between June 28 and June 30 in Owerri West (Imo State) and Ihiala (Anambra State), where contact was made with terrorist elements.

 

During the operations, troops apprehended 21 suspected illicit drug dealers and recovered arms, ammunition, improvised explosive device (IED) components, vehicles, motorcycles, and mobile phones.

 

Furthermore, on June 26, troops acting on credible intelligence raided a Point of Sale (POS) outlet allegedly operated by a sponsor of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB)/ESN in Ihiala LGA. Two suspects were arrested, and items recovered included eight mobile phones, transaction booklets, and N1.5 million in cash.

 

“The suspects are currently undergoing interrogation,” K

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angye confirmed.