Troops of the 82 Division/Joint Task Force South East, Operation UDO KA, in collaboration with operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS), have arrested a suspected commander of a notorious kidnap syndicate in Enugu State.
The suspect was apprehended during an intelligence-led operation in the Gariki General Area of the state, following sustained efforts to dismantle the criminal network allegedly responsible for the abduction of two persons in Udi Local Government Area on August 2, 2026.
The operation followed an earlier encounter in which troops neutralised one member of the syndicate and arrested another suspect.
Intelligence obtained from the arrested suspect subsequently helped security operatives identify the fleeing commander and locate the group’s concealed weapons cache.
Acting on the intelligence, the troops intensified their manhunt for the suspected commander and eventually tracked and intercepted him as he attempted to flee Enugu State.
Preliminary investigations indicate that the suspect may be linked to several kidnapping operations across the South-East and North-Central regions.
Security operatives also recovered US$1,000 and ₦785,900 in cash, alongside other items described as incriminating, from the suspect.
Further intelligence gathered during the investigation led troops to Umuchingu Ujenike Forest, where members of the syndicate were believed to have concealed their weapons.
During the follow-up operation, the troops recovered four AK-47 rifles, seven AK-47 magazines and 133 rounds of 7.62mm Special ammunition from the forest hideout.
The Army said the operation demonstrates the impact of intelligence-driven collaboration between security agencies in disrupting organised criminal networks, denying them access to weapons and dismantling their operational bases.
Speaking on the development, the Acting Deputy Director, Army Public Relations, Lt. Col. Olabisi Ayeni, said the arrested suspect is undergoing further interrogation to provide information that could lead to the arrest of other members of the syndicate and their collaborators.
Ayeni added that troops of Operation UDO KA, in collaboration with other security agencies, would sustain intelligence-led operations against criminal elements across the South-East.
He said the operations are aimed at ensuring the safety of residents and creating an environment conducive to socio-economic activities across the region.