Army arrests kidnap commander in Enugu, recovers rifles, cash

Security forces in Nigeria have apprehended a suspected commander of a kidnapping syndicate during a coordinated operation in Enugu State. Troops from the 82 Division of the Nigerian Army, working with the Department of State Services, conducted an intelligence-led raid in the Gariki General Area.

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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 resulted in the recovery of a significant arms cache, including four AK-47 rifles, seven magazines, and 133 rounds of ammunition, hidden in a forest hideout. This success follows an earlier operation where troops neutralized one syndicate member and arrested another.

Authorities stated that preliminary investigations link the arrested suspect to numerous kidnapping incidents across Nigeria's South-East and North-Central regions. The syndicate was reportedly involved in the abduction of two individuals in Udi Local Government Area on August 2, 2026. The suspect was intercepted while attempting to flee Enugu State.

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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.

Further intelligence gathered from the arrested individual led troops to the Umuchingu Ujenike Forest, where the weapons were allegedly concealed. The Army recovered US$1,000 and N785,900 in cash from the suspect. He is currently undergoing further interrogation to aid ongoing efforts to dismantle the criminal network and bring all collaborators to justice.

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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.