Enugu Security Forces Crush Kidnap syndicate, free 2 victims

…..Recover Ransom and Weapons

By Venica Uchechukwu, Enugu

Security forces in Enugu State have arrested three suspected members of the kidnapping syndicate behind the August 2, 2026 attack on St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, Inoyi-Affa, in Udi Local Government Area, while rescuing the remaining two victims and recovering ransom money and a cache of weapons.

One of the suspects was reportedly killed during a gun duel with security operatives in a joint operation involving the Department of State Services (DSS), Nigerian Army, Nigeria Police Force, Enugu State Forest Guard and other security agencies.

The operation also led to the recovery of four AK-47 rifles, seven magazines and 133 rounds of ammunition from the suspected kidnappers hideouts.

The development was disclosed during the parade of the arrested suspects at the Enugu State headquarters of the DSS on Monday evening.

Speaking to journalists, Governor Peter Mbah, who was represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Chidiebere Onyia, confirmed that 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 was also recovered after security operatives deployed the state’s advanced security technology to track the suspects.

According to him, the rescued victims had identified the arrested suspects as members of the gang responsible for their abduction.

Mbah commended the DSS, Nigerian Army, Police, Enugu State Forest Guard and other security agencies for their coordinated efforts, describing the operation as another demonstration of the state’s determination to protect the lives and property of its residents.

“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, and we have one fatality, while the others are here now as you could see; and they will face the full wrath of the law,” he said.

The governor reiterated his administration’s commitment to making Enugu State hostile to criminal activities, stressing that the government had deliberately invested in a robust security architecture to prevent and respond to attacks.

“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 added that the state’s security strategy was designed not only to prevent crime but also to ensure that perpetrators who manage to breach the system are eventually apprehended.

“We are intentional in investing in and organising our security architecture to prevent crime. 

But if there is a breach, 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 said.

The governor also issued a warning to residents who may be assisting criminal networks by providing information or other forms of support, saying such individuals would 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 warned.