The Nigerian Army has announced the arrest of a notorious kidnapping syndicate commander in Enugu State, describing the operation as a breakthrough in the fight against criminal networks in the South East.
According to Lieutenant Colonel Olabisi Olalekan Ayeni, Acting Deputy Director of Army Public Relations, troops of the 82 Division/Joint Task Force South East, Operation UDO KA, working with operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS), apprehended the suspect during a coordinated intelligence-led operation in the Gariki General Area.
“This arrest is the result of sustained efforts to dismantle the criminal syndicate responsible for the abduction of two persons in Udi Local Government Area on 2 August 2026,” Ayeni said. He noted that earlier operations had already neutralised one member of the group and led to the capture of another, whose interrogation provided critical intelligence that guided the manhunt.
Troops intercepted the fleeing commander as he attempted to escape from Enugu State. Preliminary investigations revealed that he is linked to several kidnapping activities across the South East and North Central regions. Items recovered from him included US$1,000, ₦785,900 in cash, and other incriminating materials.
Further intelligence exploitation led troops to Umuchingu Ujenike Forest, where the syndicate had concealed weapons. “During the follow-up operation, troops successfully recovered four AK-47 rifles, seven magazines, and 133 rounds of 7.62mm Special ammunition,” Ayeni confirmed.
The Army emphasised that the success of the operation highlights the effectiveness of intelligence-driven joint operations in disrupting organised criminal networks. “The arrested syndicate commander is currently undergoing interrogation to facilitate follow-on operations aimed at apprehending other members of the criminal network and their collaborators,” Ayeni stated.
He assured that Operation UDO KA, in collaboration with other security agencies, remains committed to sustaining aggressive, intelligence-led operations. “Troops will continue to pursue all those who threaten the peace and security of law-abiding citizens while ensuring a safe and secure environment for socio-economic activities to flourish throughout the region,” he said.
