Army Arrests Suspected Kidnap Syndicate Commander in Enugu, Recovers Four AK-47 Rifles

Troops of the Nigerian Army’s 82 Division, working with the Department of State Services (DSS), have arrested a suspected commander of a kidnapping syndicate and recovered weapons and ammunition from a forest hideout in Enugu State.

The operation was carried out by troops of the Joint Task Force South-East, Operation UDO KA, in the Gariki General Area of the state, following intelligence gathered during efforts to dismantle a criminal network linked to a recent abduction in Udi Local Government Area.

The Army said the syndicate was allegedly involved in the abduction of two people on August 2, 2026. Acting Deputy Director, Army Public Relations, 82 Division, Lt. Col. Olabisi Ayeni, disclosed the development in a statement on Monday.

According to Ayeni, an earlier operation had resulted in one suspected member of the group being killed and another arrested. Information obtained during interrogation reportedly helped security operatives identify the syndicate’s alleged commander and locate its weapons cache.

The Army said troops subsequently tracked and arrested the suspected commander while he was allegedly attempting to flee Enugu State. Preliminary investigations have also linked him to several kidnapping operations across the South-East and North-Central regions, the statement said.

Further intelligence from the suspects led troops to Umuchingu Ujenike Forest, where security personnel recovered four AK-47 rifles, seven magazines and 133 rounds of 7.62mm ammunition allegedly hidden by members of the group.

The arrested suspect is currently undergoing further interrogation as security agencies work to identify and apprehend other members of the alleged network and their collaborators.

The Army described the operation as part of ongoing intelligence-led efforts to disrupt organised criminal groups, seize their weapons and deny them locations used as hideouts.

Operation UDO KA said it would continue working with other security agencies to tackle criminal activities across the South-East. The task force also reaffirmed its commitment to pursuing individuals involved in threats to public safety and creating a more secure environment for residents and economic activities.