Troops of the 82 Division/Joint Task Force South-East, Operation UDO KA, in collaboration with operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS), have recorded a major operational success with the arrest of a suspected kidnapping kingpin and the recovery of a cache of weapons in Enugu State.

The breakthrough followed a coordinated intelligence-driven operation conducted in the Gariki area of the state as security forces intensified efforts to dismantle a criminal syndicate linked to the abduction of two persons in Udi Local Government Area on August 2, 2026.

Military sources disclosed that the arrest was a follow-up to an earlier operation in which troops neutralised one member of the gang and apprehended another suspect. Intelligence gathered from the arrested operative reportedly provided crucial leads that enabled security personnel to identify the syndicate’s fleeing commander and uncover the location of its hidden weapons stockpile.

Acting on the intelligence, troops launched an intensive manhunt that culminated in the interception and arrest of the suspected gang leader while he was attempting to flee Enugu State. Preliminary investigations indicate that the suspect is connected to several kidnapping operations across the South-East and North-Central regions of the country.

Items recovered from the suspect include 1,000 United States dollars, ₦785,900 in cash, and other materials considered relevant to ongoing investigations.

Further intelligence exploitation led troops to the Umuchingu Ujenike Forest, where members of the syndicate had allegedly concealed their weapons. During the operation, security personnel recovered four AK-47 rifles, seven AK-47 magazines, and 133 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition from the forest hideout.

Military authorities described the operation as another significant setback for organised criminal groups operating in the region, noting that the success underscores the effectiveness of joint intelligence-led operations in tracking suspects, dismantling criminal networks, and preventing access to weapons and safe havens.

The arrested suspect is currently undergoing further interrogation as security agencies intensify efforts to identify and apprehend other members of the syndicate and their collaborators.

The Joint Task Force, Operation UDO KA, reaffirmed its commitment to sustaining aggressive operations against criminal elements across the South-East, assuring residents that troops would continue to pursue those threatening public safety while creating a secure environment for peace and economic activities to thrive.