Troops of the 82 Division/Joint Task Force South East, Operation UDO KA, working with operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS), have arrested a suspected commander of a notorious kidnapping syndicate and recovered a significant cache of weapons from a forest hideout in Enugu State.
The operation followed sustained intelligence efforts targeting a criminal network allegedly linked to the abduction of two people in Udi Local Government Area on August 2, 2026.
According to the military, the suspect was arrested during a coordinated operation in the Gariki General Area of Enugu State. His arrest followed an earlier operation in which troops reportedly neutralised one member of the syndicate and apprehended another.
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Intelligence obtained from the arrested suspect subsequently helped security operatives identify the fleeing commander and locate the group’s concealed weapons.
Troops intensified the manhunt and eventually intercepted the suspected commander as he attempted to escape from Enugu State. Preliminary investigations indicate that he may be linked to several kidnapping operations across the South-East and North-Central regions.
Security operatives recovered US$1,000, ₦785,900 in cash and other items described as incriminating from the suspect.
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Further intelligence exploitation led troops to Umuchingu Ujenike Forest, where the syndicate was allegedly hiding its weapons. The follow-up operation resulted in the recovery of four AK-47 rifles, seven magazines and 133 rounds of 7.62mm Special ammunition.
The military said the operation represents another significant disruption of an organised criminal network operating across the region. The recovery of the weapons is particularly significant because it denies the syndicate access to firearms and ammunition that could be used in further kidnapping and other violent crimes.
The arrested suspect is undergoing further interrogation as security agencies seek information that could lead to the arrest of additional members of the network and their alleged collaborators.
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The operation also highlights the increasing reliance on intelligence-led and inter-agency operations in efforts to dismantle kidnapping networks operating across the South-East.
Operation UDO KA said troops, in collaboration with other security agencies, would sustain operations against criminal elements and continue efforts to deny them safe havens and freedom of movement.
Authorities also reaffirmed their commitment to protecting residents and creating a safer environment for legitimate economic and social activities across the South-East.
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The allegations against the arrested suspect remain subject to investigation, and he is presumed innocent unless proven guilty by a court.
