Troops Capture Kidnap Syndicate Commander in Enugu

Troops from the 82 Division of the Nigerian Army arrested a kidnap syndicate commander during an intelligence-led operation in the Gariki General Area of Enugu. This operation was initiated following the abduction of two persons in Udi LGA on August 2.

Lt. Col. Olabisi Olalekan Ayeni, the Acting Deputy Director of Army Public Relations, stated that the operation followed an earlier encounter where troops neutralized one syndicate member and apprehended another. Intelligence from the arrested suspect led to the identification of the fleeing commander, who was captured as he attempted to escape from Enugu State.

Preliminary investigations linked the suspect to various kidnapping activities across the South-East and North-Central regions. The troops recovered US$1,000, N785,900, and other incriminating items from the suspect.

A follow-up operation in Umuchingu Ujenike Forest resulted in the recovery of four AK-47 rifles, seven magazines, and 133 rounds of 7.62mm Special ammunition. The suspect is undergoing further interrogation to assist in apprehending other members of the syndicate.