A major breakthrough has been recorded in the fight against kidnapping in the South-East following the arrest of a suspected commander of a kidnapping gang in Enugu State.
Troops of the 82 Division, Nigerian Army, operating under Joint Task Force South East, Operation UDO KA, alongside personnel of the Department of State Services (DSS), apprehended the suspect during an intelligence-led operation.
The operation was carried out in the Gariki General Area of Enugu State as security agencies intensified efforts to dismantle a criminal network linked to the abduction of two people in Udi Local Government Area on August 2, 2026.
The Nigerian Army announced the development in a statement issued on Monday by the Acting Deputy Director, Army Public Relations, 82 Division, Lieutenant Colonel Olabisi Olalekan Ayeni.
According to the Army, the arrest followed an earlier operation in which troops neutralised one suspected member of the gang and apprehended another. Information obtained during the subsequent investigation reportedly helped security operatives identify the syndicate’s fleeing commander and trace the location of its weapons.
Troops subsequently intensified their search and intercepted the suspected kingpin while he was allegedly attempting to leave Enugu State.
The military said preliminary findings indicate that the suspect may have participated in several kidnapping operations across the South-East and North-Central regions.
Security operatives also recovered $1,000, ₦785,900 and other items described by the Army as incriminating from the suspect.
Further intelligence gathered during the operation led troops to Umuchingu Ujenike Forest, where the gang was believed to have hidden its weapons.
A search of the forest resulted in the recovery of four AK-47 rifles, seven AK-47 magazines and 133 rounds of 7.62mm Special ammunition.
The Army said the operation highlights the impact of intelligence-sharing and coordinated action among security agencies in tracking criminal networks, recovering weapons and disrupting their operational bases.
The arrested suspect remains in custody for further interrogation, with investigators expected to use information obtained from him to track down other members of the syndicate and their alleged collaborators.
Operation UDO KA said it would continue to work with other security agencies to intensify operations against criminal groups across the South-East.
The Joint Task Force further assured residents that troops would sustain efforts to neutralise threats to public safety and support an environment where legitimate economic and social activities can flourish.
