Security operatives in Enugu State have arrested three suspects linked to the August 2, 2026 abduction at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, Inoyi-Affa, in Udi Local Government Area, while the remaining victims have also regained their freedom.
The operation involved the Department of State Services (DSS), the Nigerian Army, the Police, the Enugu State Forest Guard and other security agencies.
During the raid, one member of the kidnapping syndicate was killed in a gun battle with security personnel. The operatives also recovered four AK-47 rifles, seven magazines and 133 rounds of ammunition from the gang’s hideouts.
Speaking during the parade of the suspects at the DSS headquarters in Enugu on Monday evening, Governor Peter Mbah, represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Chidiebere Onyia, confirmed that Seminarian Lawrence Igbo and Mr Emmanuel Onwudi, the remaining victims of the church attack, had been released.
The governor also disclosed that the ransom paid to secure the victims was fully recovered after security agencies tracked the suspects using the state’s technology-driven security infrastructure.
He commended the DSS, Army, Police, Forest Guard and other participating agencies, adding that the rescued victims had identified the arrested suspects as their abductors.
Mbah reiterated that his administration would continue to prioritise the protection of lives and property across Enugu State.
According to him, the state has strengthened its security architecture to make Enugu hostile to criminal activities, warning that anyone who engages in kidnapping or other crimes will be pursued and brought to justice.
He also issued a warning to residents who collaborate with kidnappers or provide them with information, saying investigations are ongoing and that anyone connected to the syndicate would face prosecution.
The governor concluded by praising the cooperation and bravery of the security agencies involved in the operation, describing their efforts as crucial to maintaining security in the state.
