Security forces in Enugu State have arrested three suspected members of a kidnapping syndicate linked to the August 2, 2026 attack on St Joseph’s Catholic Church, Inoyi-Affa, in Udi Local Government Area of the state.
The joint operation, involving the Department of State Services (DSS), Nigerian Army, Nigeria Police Force, Enugu State Forest Guard and other security agencies, also led to the recovery of ransom money and a cache of weapons from the suspects’ hideouts.
One of the suspected kidnappers was reportedly killed during a gun duel with security operatives, while four AK-47 rifles, seven magazines and 133 rounds of ammunition were recovered in the operation.
The development was disclosed on Monday evening during the parade of the suspects at the DSS State Headquarters in Enugu.
Speaking with journalists at the event, Governor Peter Mbah, who was represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Chidiebere Onyia, said the remaining two victims of the August 2 attack, Seminarian Lawrence Igbo and Mr Emmanuel Onwudi, had regained their freedom.
The governor said the ransom paid to secure the victims’ release had also been fully recovered, adding that security operatives were able to track the suspects through the deployment of the state’s hi-tech security assets.
According to him, the victims had identified the arrested suspects as the individuals responsible for their abduction.
Mbah commended the DSS, Nigerian Army, Police, Enugu State Forest Guard and other security agencies for their collaboration and gallantry in apprehending the suspects.
He assured residents that his administration would continue to prioritise and invest in measures aimed at protecting lives and property across the state.
“There was one fatality in this process. It was one of the criminals that died in the process of apprehending them. Usually, criminal elements will not want to be apprehended easily without a fight, but our people were ready,” the governor said.
He added that the arrested suspects would face the full weight of the law, warning criminals that Enugu State would not provide a safe haven for criminal activities.
“We made it very clear that if criminality becomes your venture, Enugu State is not the location to do that business; that we will pursue you, we will make sure we bring you to justice,” he said.
Mbah said the state had established a robust security architecture in collaboration with security agencies to prevent crime and respond swiftly whenever security breaches occurred.
“You can run, but cannot hide for long. We must get you. You can’t commit these crimes in Enugu State and get away with it. No way,” he warned.
The governor also issued a stern warning to residents who collaborate with criminal groups or provide them with information, stressing that such individuals would also be identified and prosecuted.
“We will find you also, just as we have found these people, and we will prosecute you as part of this evil operation and this evil syndicate,” he said.
He further warned that investigations into the kidnapping operation remained ongoing, urging anyone involved in the planning or execution of criminal activities in the state to expect prosecution.
Mbah reiterated his administration’s commitment to strengthening security across Enugu State, while paying tribute to the security agencies for their continued cooperation in combating criminality.
He particularly commended the DSS, Nigerian Army, Nigeria Police Force, Enugu State Forest Guard and other military and security personnel for their role in the successful operation.
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