Troops nab kidnapper, recover $1,000, N785,900 cash in Enugu forest

The troops of Operation UDO KA, Nigerian Army, in collaboration with the operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS), have arrested a notorious kidnapping syndicate commander in Enugu State.

The troops also recovered four AK-47 rifles, seven magazines, 133 rounds of 7.62mm Special ammunition, as well as $1,000 and N785,900 in cash, among other items during an operation in a forest hideout in Enugu State.

The army disclosed this in a statement issued on Monday night by the Acting Deputy Director of Army Public Relations, 82 Division Nigerian Army, Lieutenant Colonel Olabisi Ayeni.

Ayeni revealed that the suspect was apprehended during a coordinated intelligence-led operation in the Gariki area of Enugu State, following sustained efforts to dismantle the criminal syndicate responsible for the abduction of two persons in Udi Local Government Area on August 2, 2026.

Ayeni said the arrest followed an earlier operation in which troops neutralised one member of the syndicate and apprehended another.

He noted that 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.

Ayeni stated: “The 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.

“Preliminary investigations indicate that the suspect is linked to several kidnapping activities across the South East and North Central regions. Items recovered from him include US$1,000, ₦785,900 in cash and other incriminating items.

17 bandits, 10 policemen killed in Zamfara clash

“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 successfully recovered four AK-47 rifles, seven AK-47 magazines and 133 rounds of 7.62mm Special ammunition from the forest hideout.”

The army spokesman said the arrested syndicate commander has been undergoing further interrogation to facilitate follow-on operations aimed at apprehending other members of the criminal network and their collaborators.