Military, DSS nab 3 over kidnap of NDLEA Commander

Security forces comprising troops of the Nigerian Military and operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) have arrested three suspects who allegedly masterminded the kidnapping of the NDLEA Commander in Anambra State. The suspects, who are currently in the troops’ custody, undergoing interrogation, were nabbed on June 26 when the security operatives raided the […]

Security forces comprising troops of the Nigerian Military and operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) have arrested three suspects who allegedly masterminded the kidnapping of the NDLEA Commander in Anambra State.

The suspects, who are currently in the troops’ custody, undergoing interrogation, were nabbed on June 26 when the security operatives raided the residence of some identified suspected kidnappers, some of who were reported to be members of Eastern Security Network (ESN) in Idemili North LGA of the State.

The Director, Defence Media Operations, Markus Kangye, who disclosed these to journalists at the Defence Headquarters in Abuja on Thursday at a press briefing, said assorted weapons, large cache of ammunition and some illicit drugs were recovered from the criminals.

Daily Trust reports that the Director of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency in Anambra State, Daniel Onyishi, was kidnapped in the early hours on June 12, 2025, along Winner Road, Awka after he was waylaid by the assailants.

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Giving an update at the briefing, Kangye, a Major-General, also revealed that the troops, while acting on credible intelligence, arrested 2 suspects at a Point of Sale otherwise known as POS belonging to an IPOB/ESN sponsor in Ihiala LGA of Anambra State.

He said, “Troops in conjunction with DSS operatives conducted raid operations at the residence of some identified suspected kidnappers/ESN criminals in Idemili North LGA of Anambra State on 2 June 2025.

“During the encounters, 3 suspects identified as Emeka Ede, Okwudili Aja and Onyebuchi Aja were arrested. Intelligence report has it that, the suspects masterminded the kidnapping of the NDLEA Commander of Anambra State Command on 12 June 2025.

“Items recovered from them were assorted weapons and a large cache of ammunition as well as some illicit drugs. Items recovered are in the custody of troops while suspects are currently undergoing interrogation.

“On 26 June 2025 troops acting on credible intelligence, arrested 2 suspects at a Point of Sale otherwise known as POS belonging to an IPOB/ESN sponsor in Ihiala LGA of Anambra State.

“Troops recovered 8 mobile phones, transaction booklet and the sum of N1,561,400.00 only from them. The suspects are currently undergoing interrogations.”

 

We lack mandate to offer bandits amnesty, says DHQ

Meanwhile, fielding questions from journalists shortly after the briefing, the military high command explained that it lacks a mandate in granting amnesty to the surrendered terrorists and bandits, saying such responsibility was not within the purview of the military.

The military’s clarifications came amid reactions that trailed recent reports that some bandit commanders in Katsina State had surrendered and released hostages in exchange for amnesty.

Kangye explained that while the development is a reflection of ongoing successes in both kinetic and non-kinetic military operations, the decision to grant amnesty lies with other arms of government.

“Amnesty is not what we do. We are to do our job according to our rules of engagement and operational directives. If from the operation conducted, people are arrested and handed over, and an amnesty is to be given to them, it’s not the military that determines that.

“Their cases will be studied, and based on merit, the relevant government agencies responsible for amnesty will act,” the senior military officer told journalists.