Security agencies in Enugu State have arrested three suspected members of a kidnapping gang linked to the August 2, 2026 attack on St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, Inoyi-Affa, in Udi Local Government Area.
The suspects were captured during a joint operation involving the Department of State Services (DSS), the Nigerian Army, the Police, the Enugu State Forest Guard and other security personnel.
During the operation, one suspected kidnapper was killed in a gun battle with security forces, while four AK-47 rifles and ammunition were recovered from the gang’s hideout.
The development was announced on Monday night when Governor Peter Mbah visited the DSS headquarters in Enugu to inspect the arrested suspects. Representing the governor, the Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Chidiebere Onyia, confirmed that Seminarian Lawrence Igbo and Emmanuel Onwudi, two of the three victims abducted during the church attack, had regained their freedom.
According to Onyia, the victims also identified the arrested suspects as those involved in their abduction.
He said the state government would continue to strengthen its security architecture to prevent criminal activities and ensure that offenders are brought to justice.
Onyia warned that Enugu State would remain hostile to kidnapping and other forms of criminality, stressing that anyone who commits such offences would be pursued and prosecuted.
He also cautioned residents against collaborating with criminal groups or acting as informants, adding that investigations were ongoing and that anyone found supporting the syndicate would face legal action.
The SSG commended the DSS, the Nigerian Army, the Police and the Enugu State Forest Guard for their cooperation and efforts in the operation, describing their actions as critical to maintaining security across the state.
