By Ikechukwu Sameul
Troops of the 82 Division/Joint Task Force South East, Operation UDO KA, working with the Department of State Services, have arrested a suspected commander of a kidnapping syndicate in Enugu State. The operation also led to the recovery of four AK‑47 rifles, seven magazines, and 133 rounds of ammunition from a forest hideout.
Acting Deputy Director, Army Public Relations, Lt. Col. Olabisi Ayeni, confirmed the arrest in a statement on Monday. He said the suspect was captured during an intelligence‑led operation in the Gariki General Area, following efforts to dismantle a syndicate linked to the abduction of two persons in Udi Local Government Area on August 2, 2026.
Ayeni noted that the arrest followed an earlier operation where troops “neutralised one member of the syndicate and apprehended another.” Intelligence from those suspects guided troops to the fleeing commander and the location of concealed arms. “Acting swiftly on the intelligence, troops intensified the manhunt, leading to the tracking, interception and arrest of the fleeing syndicate commander as he attempted to escape from Enugu State,” the statement said.
Preliminary investigations revealed the suspect’s involvement in multiple kidnappings across the South‑East and North‑Central regions. Further intelligence led troops to Umuchingu Ujenike Forest, where the syndicate had hidden weapons. “During the follow‑up operation, troops successfully recovered four AK‑47 rifles, seven AK‑47 magazines and 133 rounds of 7.62mm Special ammunition from the forest hideout,” the Army said.
The suspect is undergoing interrogation to assist ongoing operations aimed at arresting other members of the criminal network. The Army described the success as proof of the effectiveness of intelligence‑driven joint operations in disrupting organized crime and denying syndicates access to weapons and safe havens.
The Joint Task Force, Operation UDO KA, pledged continued collaboration with other security agencies to sustain operations against criminal elements across the South‑East. “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,” the statement added.
