Security agencies in Enugu State have arrested three suspected members of a kidnapping gang allegedly linked to the August 2 attack on St Joseph’s Catholic Church in Inoyi-Affa, Udi Local Government Area.
The suspects were apprehended during a joint operation involving the Department of State Services, Nigerian Army, Nigeria Police Force, Enugu State Forest Guard and other security personnel.
One suspected kidnapper was reportedly killed during an exchange of gunfire with the security forces, while four AK-47 rifles and ammunition were recovered from the group.
The development was disclosed on Monday night when Enugu State Governor, Peter Mbah, visited the state DSS headquarters to inspect the arrested suspects.
Speaking on behalf of the governor, the Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Chidiebere Onyia, said two of the three people abducted during the church attack had regained their freedom.
The freed victims, identified as Seminarian Lawrence Igbo and Emmanuel Onwudi, reportedly identified the arrested suspects as members of the gang that abducted them.
Onyia said one of the suspected kidnappers was killed during the operation.
«“There was one fatality in this process. It was one of the criminals that died in the process of apprehending them.”»
He said the state government would continue to strengthen its security measures to prevent criminal activities and ensure that those responsible face justice.
The SSG warned residents against assisting criminal groups, stressing that anyone found providing support or information to kidnappers would also be prosecuted.
He said, “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.”
Onyia further commended the security agencies involved in the operation, particularly the DSS, Army, Police and Enugu State Forest Guard.
He said the collaboration among the agencies remained crucial to the state’s efforts to tackle insecurity and protect residents.
