By Isaac Mission

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 kidnapping syndicate operating in Enugu State.

The operation also resulted in the recovery of four AK-47 rifles, seven magazines and 133 rounds of 7.62mm Special ammunition from a forest believed to have been used as a hideout by the criminal group.

The Acting Deputy Director, Army Public Relations, 82 Division, Lt. Col. Olabisi Olalekan Ayeni, disclosed the development in a statement issued on Monday.

According to Ayeni, the suspect was apprehended during an intelligence-driven operation in the Gariki General Area of Enugu as security forces intensified efforts to dismantle a kidnapping syndicate allegedly connected to the abduction of two people in Udi Local Government Area on August 2.

The Army said the operation followed an earlier encounter in which troops reportedly neutralised one suspected member of the group and arrested another.

Information obtained during the interrogation of the arrested suspect allegedly helped security operatives identify the fleeing commander and launch a manhunt for him.

The Army said troops subsequently tracked and intercepted the suspect as he attempted to flee Enugu State.

Suspect Linked to Kidnapping Activities

Preliminary investigations, according to the Army, have linked the arrested suspect to several kidnapping operations across parts of the South-East and North-Central regions.

Security operatives also recovered US$1,000, N785,900 and other items described as incriminating from the suspect.

Further intelligence reportedly led troops to Umuchingu Ujenike Forest, where the syndicate was allegedly keeping its weapons.

A follow-up operation at the location resulted in the recovery of four AK-47 rifles, seven magazines and 133 rounds of 7.62mm Special ammunition.

The Army said the suspect remains in custody and is undergoing further interrogation.

It explained that the ongoing investigation is expected to provide additional information that could lead to the arrest of other members of the syndicate and their collaborators.

The 82 Division also reaffirmed that Operation UDO KA, alongside other security agencies, would continue coordinated operations aimed at dismantling criminal networks and improving security across the South-East.

The authorities have urged residents to continue providing useful intelligence to security agencies as operations against kidnapping and other violent crimes continue.