Nigerian Army Catches Kidnap Leader, Seizes Weapons and Cash

The Nigerian Army has announced that its troops arrested the suspected leader of a kidnap gang in a forest in Enugu State, located in the South-east of Nigeria.

Olabisi Ayeni, the spokesman for the 82 Division of the Nigerian Army, shared this news in a statement on Monday. He mentioned that the troops also found weapons and cash, including $1,000 from the suspect.

Lieutenant Colonel Ayeni explained that the suspect was caught during "a coordinated intelligence-led operation" in the Gariki General Area of Enugu State. This operation came after ongoing efforts to break apart the gang that had kidnapped a seminarian and a worshipper at a Catholic Church in the Udi Local Government Area on August 2.

"The arrest came after a previous operation where troops took down one member of the gang and captured another. The information from the arrested suspect helped identify the gang leader and the location of their hidden weapons," he said.

"Acting quickly on this information, troops stepped up the manhunt. They tracked, intercepted, and arrested the fleeing gang leader as he tried to escape from Enugu State."

The army spokesman stated that the operation involved troops from Operation Udo Ka, working alongside the State Security Service operatives.

"Initial investigations show that the suspect is involved in several kidnapping cases across the South East and North Central regions. The items found with him included $1,000, ₦785,900 in cash, and other incriminating evidence," he added.

"Further information gained from the arrested suspects led troops to Umuchingu Ujenike Forest, where the gang had hidden their weapons."

The troops recovered four AK-47 rifles, seven AK-47 magazines, and 133 rounds of 7.62mm Special ammunition during the follow-up operation, according to the army.

Ayeni confirmed that the arrested kidnap gang leader is being questioned to help with further operations aimed at tracking down other fleeing gang members and their partners.

"These successful operations show how effective intelligence-driven joint efforts are at breaking down organized crime networks, catching fleeing suspects, and stopping criminals from getting weapons and safe places to hide," he said.

The army spokesman emphasized that the joint security team under Operation Udo Ka, along with other security agencies, is committed to continuing what he called "aggressive, intelligence-led operations" against criminals in the South-east.

"Troops will keep chasing those who threaten the peace and safety of law-abiding citizens. They aim to ensure a safe environment for socio-economic activities to thrive throughout the region," he concluded.