GOVERMENT SMASHES REBEL TRAINING RING, DENIES ‘ABDUCTIONS’… reveals Valden Findlay and opposition

GOVERMENT SMASHES REBEL TRAINING RING, DENIES ‘ABDUCTIONS’… reveals Valden Findlay and opposition figures held over foreign-backed military drilling to disrupt polls By DAVID KANDUZATHE Government has aggressively dismantled opposition claims of State-sponsored ‘abductions,’ revealing that the high-profile arrests of prominent business executive Valden Findlay and several political figures are tied to a massive counter-terrorism operation […]

GOVERMENT SMASHES REBEL TRAINING RING, DENIES ‘ABDUCTIONS’
… reveals Valden Findlay and opposition figures held over foreign-backed military drilling to disrupt polls

By DAVID KANDUZA
THE Government has aggressively dismantled opposition claims of State-sponsored ‘abductions,’ revealing that the high-profile arrests of prominent business executive Valden Findlay and several political figures are tied to a massive counter-terrorism operation uncovering illegal foreign military training.

During an explosive joint press briefing today, August 12, 2026, Ministry of Home Affairs and Internal Security Permanent Secretary Dickson Matembo clarified that a joint defense and security swoop intercepted an active plot aimed at destabilising the 2026 Zambian general elections.

According to State security officials, the crackdown was directly linked to an intelligence-led operation that began on August 1, 2026, when three Zambian nationals were intercepted and arrested at the Kenneth Kaunda International Airport

The suspects face charges including unlawful military drilling, unauthorised use of uniforms and terrorism-related offenses, with Mr Findlay implicated for his alleged financial and logistical support of the programme

Rejecting family and opposition claims that detainees were illegally ‘abducted’ without legal representation, Mr Matembo insisted the actions were lawful and constitutionally mandated.

He emphasised the State’s duty to protect national security and noted that some individuals, such as former ambassador Martha Lungu and journalist Hannah Katontoka, had been released following compliance checks.

The sweep had targeted figures linked to the Tonse-Pamodzi Alliance, including detained individuals like Mr Findlay, Kennedy Kaamba, Fraser Musonda, Victor Muzyamba and Dickson Tembo.

Meanwhile, Mr Findlay’s family had raised medical concerns, stating he lacked crucial daily prescription medication and requesting immediate legal and medical access.