The Nigerian Army has arrested the suspected commander of a kidnap syndicate in a forest in Enugu State, Nigeria’s South-east region. The arrest was confirmed by Olabisi Ayeni, the spokesman for the 82 Division of the Nigerian Army, in a statement released on Monday.
Arrest and Recovered Items
According to Mr Ayeni, a lieutenant colonel, the suspect was taken into custody during “a coordinated intelligence-led operation” in a forest located in the Gariki General Area of Enugu State. The operation also led to the recovery of weapons and cash, including $1,000 and ₦785,900, along with other incriminating items.
Mr Ayeni explained that the operation was part of sustained efforts to dismantle the criminal syndicate responsible for the abduction of a seminarian and a worshipper at a Catholic Church in Udi Local Government Area on 2 August. The arrest followed an earlier operation in which troops neutralised one member of the syndicate and apprehended another.
Intelligence-Led Manhunt
“Subsequent exploitation of the arrested suspect yielded critical intelligence that led to the identification of the fleeing syndicate commander and the location of the group’s concealed arms cache,” Mr Ayeni said. “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 operation was carried out by troops of Operation Udo Ka in collaboration with operatives of the State Security Service. Preliminary investigations indicate that the suspect is linked to several kidnapping activities across the South East and North Central regions.
Weapons Cache Discovered
Further exploitation of intelligence obtained from the arrested suspects led troops to Umuchingu Ujenike Forest, where members of the syndicate had concealed their weapons. During the follow-up operation, troops recovered four AK-47 rifles, seven AK-47 magazines, and 133 rounds of 7.62mm Special ammunition.
Mr Ayeni said the arrested syndicate commander is being interrogated to assist follow-up operations to track down other fleeing members of the syndicate and their collaborators. He noted, “The successful operations further demonstrate the effectiveness of intelligence-driven joint operations in disrupting organised criminal networks, apprehending fleeing suspects and denying criminals access to weapons and safe havens.”
Continued Operations
The army spokesman emphasised that the joint security team under Operation Udo Ka and other security agencies remain steadfast in sustaining aggressive, intelligence-led operations against criminals 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,” he said.
