Troops of the Nigerian Army’s 82 Division/Joint Task Force South East, Operation UDO KA, in collaboration with operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS), have arrested a suspected commander of kidnapping syndicate and recovered four AK-47 rifles, seven magazines and 133 rounds of 7.62mm Special ammunition in Enugu State.
The suspect was arrested during an intelligence-led operation in the Gariki General Area while allegedly attempting to flee Enugu State.
The operation followed investigations into the August 2 abduction of two people in Udi Local Government Area.
A statement on Monday by Olabisi Ayeni, Acting Deputy Director Army Public Relations, 82 Division, said the arrest followed an earlier operation during which troops neutralised one member of the syndicate and apprehended another suspect.
It said intelligence obtained from the arrested suspect provided security forces with vital information that enabled them to identify the syndicate’s fleeing commander and locate a concealed weapons cache.
“Acting swiftly on intelligence, troops intensified the manhunt, leading to the tracking, interception and arrest of the feeling syndicate commander as he attempted to escape from Enugu State”, the Army said.
According to the Army, preliminary investigations indicate that the arrested suspect may be linked to several kidnapping operations across the South-East and North-Central regions.
The items recovered from the suspect included $1,000 and $785,900 in cash, alongside other items described by the Army as incriminating.
The military further said exploitation of intelligence obtained from the suspects led troops to Umuchingu Ujenike Forest, where members of the syndicate were believed to have concealed their weapons. During a follow-up operation in the forest, troops recovered four AK-47 rifles, seven AK-47 magazines and 133 rounds of ammunition.
The Army said the operation demonstrated the effectiveness of intelligence-driven collaboration among security agencies in disrupting organized criminal networks, apprehending fleeing suspects and denying criminal access to arms.
It added that the arrested syndicate commander was undergoing further interrogation, with information obtained expected to facilitate follow-on operations to apprehend other members of the network and their collaborators.
The Army assured residents that troops would continue to pursue individuals and groups threatening the peace and security of the region while working to create a secure environment for residents and economic activities.
-9News Nigeria.
