Troops of the 82 Division/Joint Task Force South East, Operation UDO KA, in collaboration with the Department of State Services (DSS), have arrested a suspected commander of a notorious kidnapping syndicate and recovered four AK-47 rifles, seven magazines and 133 rounds of 7.62mm Special ammunition in Enugu State.
The suspect was arrested during an intelligence-led operation in the Gariki General Area of the state following sustained efforts to dismantle a criminal network linked to the abduction of two persons in Udi Local Government Area on August 2, 2026.
The operation followed an earlier engagement in which troops neutralised one member of the syndicate and arrested another suspect. Intelligence obtained during the subsequent exploitation reportedly led security operatives to the identity and location of the fleeing syndicate commander, as well as the location of the group’s concealed arms cache.
Acting on the intelligence, troops intensified the manhunt and intercepted the suspect as he attempted to flee Enugu State.
Preliminary investigations indicate that the suspect may be connected to several kidnapping operations across the South-East and North-Central regions.
Security operatives also recovered $1,000, N785,900 in cash and other items believed to be relevant to the investigation from the suspect.
Further exploitation of intelligence provided by the arrested suspects led troops to Umuchingu Ujenike Forest, where members of the syndicate were believed to have concealed their weapons.
The follow-up operation resulted in the recovery of four AK-47 rifles, seven AK-47 magazines and 133 rounds of 7.62mm Special ammunition from the forest hideout.
The Army described the operation as another demonstration of the effectiveness of intelligence-driven joint operations in disrupting organised criminal networks, denying them access to weapons and safe havens, and bringing fleeing suspects to justice.
The arrested syndicate commander is undergoing further interrogation, with security agencies expected to use information obtained from him to track down other members of the network and their collaborators.
The Joint Task Force, Operation UDO KA, said it would continue to work with other security agencies to sustain intelligence-led operations against criminal elements across the South-East.
It reaffirmed the commitment of troops to pursuing individuals and networks threatening the security of residents while creating a safer environment for legitimate economic and social activities across the region.
