Troops of the 82 Division of the Nigerian Army, operating under the Joint Task Force South-East and Operation UDO KA, have arrested a suspected commander of a kidnapping syndicate in Enugu State.
The operation, conducted in collaboration with the Department of State Services (DSS), also led to the recovery of four AK-47 rifles, seven magazines and 133 rounds of 7.62mm Special ammunition.
The Nigerian Army said the arrest followed an intelligence-driven operation aimed at dismantling a suspected kidnapping network operating in parts of the South-East and North-Central regions.
Suspected Kidnap Commander Arrested
The Acting Deputy Director of Army Public Relations for the 82 Division, Lt. Col. Olabisi Olalekan Ayeni, disclosed the development in a statement issued on Monday.
According to Ayeni, the suspect was arrested in the Gariki General Area of Enugu after troops intensified operations against a kidnapping group suspected of abducting two people in Udi Local Government Area on August 2.
The Army said the operation followed earlier security action against members of the suspected group.
One alleged member of the group was reportedly killed during an earlier encounter, while another suspect was captured alive.
Information obtained from the detained suspect allegedly helped security personnel identify the group’s fleeing commander and establish his location.
Troops Launch Manhunt
Following the intelligence received, troops reportedly intensified surveillance and pursuit operations.
The Army said the suspect was eventually tracked and intercepted while allegedly attempting to escape from Enugu State.
He was subsequently taken into custody for further investigation.
Preliminary findings by the security agencies have reportedly linked the suspect to several kidnapping operations across parts of the South-East and North-Central zones.
Authorities are expected to use information obtained from the suspect to identify other members of the alleged syndicate and their associates.
Weapons Recovered From Forest Hideout
The security operation also led troops to a forest believed to have been used as a hideout by the suspected kidnapping group.
According to the Army, further intelligence obtained during the operation directed troops to the Umuchingu Ujenike Forest.
During a subsequent search operation, troops reportedly discovered and recovered four AK-47 rifles, seven AK-47 magazines and 133 rounds of 7.62mm Special ammunition.
The recovered weapons and ammunition are now in the custody of the security authorities as investigations continue.
Cash And Other Items Recovered
In addition to the weapons, troops reportedly recovered $1,000 and ₦785,900 from the arrested suspect.
The Army also said other materials considered relevant to the investigation were recovered.
The items are expected to form part of the ongoing investigation into the activities and structure of the alleged kidnapping network.
Army Intensifies Fight Against Kidnapping
The latest operation forms part of ongoing efforts by security agencies to tackle kidnapping and other criminal activities across the South-East.
Operation UDO KA has continued to conduct intelligence-led operations in collaboration with other security agencies to identify criminal networks and disrupt their activities.
The Army said the arrest of the suspected commander represents an important development in efforts to dismantle the alleged kidnapping syndicate.
The suspect remains in custody while questioning continues.
According to the Army, information obtained during the investigation could help security agencies locate and apprehend other suspected members and accomplices of the group.
Operation UDO KA Continues
The Nigerian Army said Operation UDO KA would continue working with other security agencies to maintain pressure on criminal elements operating in the region.
The latest operation also demonstrates the role of intelligence gathering and inter-agency cooperation in security operations, particularly in locating criminal hideouts and identifying suspected members of organised groups.
Security authorities have continued to urge members of the public to provide credible information that could assist ongoing efforts to prevent kidnapping and other violent crimes.
The Army said operations against criminal elements in the South-East would continue as security agencies work to improve safety across the region.
