Army Arrests Suspected Kidnap Syndicate Commander, Recovers Four AK-47s in Enugu

Troops of the 82 Division/Joint Task Force South East, Operation UDO KA, working with the Department of State Services, have arrested a suspected commander of a kidnapping syndicate in Enugu State. The suspect was apprehended during an intelligence-led operation in the Gariki General Area as security forces intensified efforts to dismantle the group allegedly linked to the Aug. 2 abduction of two people in Udi Local Government Area.

Acting Deputy Director, Army Public Relations, 82 Division, Lt. Col. Olabisi Olalekan Ayeni, said the operation followed an earlier encounter in which troops neutralised one suspected syndicate member and arrested another. Information obtained from the detained suspect reportedly helped security operatives identify the fleeing commander, who was tracked and arrested while attempting to leave Enugu State.

The Army said preliminary investigations had linked the arrested suspect to several kidnapping activities across the South-East and North-Central regions. During the operation, troops recovered US$1,000, N785,900 and other incriminating items from him, while further intelligence led operatives to the Umuchingu Ujenike Forest, where weapons allegedly belonging to the group were concealed.

The follow-up operation resulted in the recovery of four AK-47 rifles, seven magazines and 133 rounds of 7.62mm Special ammunition. The suspect remains in custody for further interrogation, which the Army said would help identify other members and collaborators. Operation UDO KA will continue working with other security agencies to sustain operations against criminal groups in the South-East.