Troops of 82 Division/Joint Task Force South East, Operation UDO KA, in collaboration with operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS), have intensified operations against kidnapping networks in the South East, arresting a suspected commander of a notorious syndicate and recovering four AK-47 rifles in Enugu State.
According to an official statement signed by the Acting Deputy Director Army Public Relations, 82 Division Nigerian Army, Lieutenant Colonel Olabisi Olalekan Ayeni, the breakthrough followed an intelligence-led operation in the Gariki General Area of Enugu State.
The operation was launched as part of efforts to dismantle a kidnapping syndicate linked to the abduction of two persons in Udi Local Government Area on August 2, 2026.
The Army said troops had earlier neutralised one member of the syndicate and arrested another suspect. Intelligence obtained during the subsequent exploitation of the arrested suspect enabled security forces to identify the fleeing commander and trace the location of the group’s concealed weapons.
Acting on the intelligence, troops intensified the manhunt and intercepted the suspected commander as he attempted to escape from Enugu State.
Preliminary investigations revealed that the suspect was allegedly linked to several kidnapping operations across the South East and North Central regions. Security forces also recovered US$1,000, N785,900 in cash and other incriminating items from him.
Further exploitation of intelligence led troops to Umuchingu Ujenike Forest, where members of the syndicate were said to have 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 from the forest hideout.
The Army said the operation demonstrated the effectiveness of intelligence-driven joint operations in disrupting organised criminal networks, denying them access to weapons and dismantling their safe havens.
It added that the arrested syndicate commander was undergoing further interrogation to facilitate follow-on operations aimed at apprehending other members of the criminal network and their collaborators.
Operation UDO KA, in collaboration with other security agencies, has also reaffirmed its commitment to sustained intelligence-led operations against criminal elements across the South East.
The Army assured that troops would continue to pursue those threatening the peace and security of law-abiding citizens while working to create a safe environment for socio-economic activities to thrive across the region.
