An investigation into the August 2 abduction of two persons in Enugu State has led the Nigeria Army to a suspected kidnapping commander and a weapons cache containing four AK-47 rifles, seven magazines and 133 rounds of ammunition.
The operation was carried out by troops of the 82 Division, operating under Operation UDO KA, in collaboration with operatives of the Department of State Services.
The Army said the suspected commander was arrested in the Gariki General Area of the state while allegedly attempting to flee Enugu.
His arrest followed investigations into the abduction of two persons in Udi Local Government Area on August 2.
The Army said troops had earlier killed one member of the syndicate and arrested another suspect during an operation.
Information obtained from the arrested suspect reportedly led security operatives to the fleeing commander and helped them locate the gang’s hidden weapons.
Acting on the intelligence, the troops launched a manhunt for the suspect and eventually intercepted him as he attempted to escape from the state.
The Army said preliminary investigations linked the suspect to several kidnapping operations in parts of the South-East and North-Central regions.
It added that $1,000, N785,900 and other items were recovered from him.
Following further interrogation, the troops reportedly moved to the Umuchingu Ujenike Forest, where the gang was said to have hidden its weapons.
A search of the forest led to the recovery of four AK-47 rifles, seven AK-47 magazines and 133 rounds of 7.62mm ammunition.
The Army said the suspect remained in custody and was being interrogated to provide information that could lead to the arrest of other members of the syndicate and their alleged collaborators.
The Acting Deputy Director, Army Public Relations, 82 Division, Lt. Col. Olabisi Ayeni, said the operation was part of ongoing efforts to dismantle criminal networks operating in the South-East.
Ayeni said troops, working with other security agencies, would continue to pursue criminals and deny them access to weapons and hideouts.
He also urged members of the public to continue providing security agencies with useful information to assist ongoing operations in the region.
(The Whistler)