Security operatives in Enugu State have arrested three suspected members of a gang allegedly behind the abduction of a Catholic seminarian and another victim at St Joseph’s Catholic Church, Inoyi-Affa, Udi Local Government Area.
The suspects were apprehended during a joint operation conducted by the Department of State Services, Nigerian Army, Nigeria Police Force, Enugu State Forest Guard and other security agencies.
The August 2, 2026, attack had resulted in the abduction of the victims, identified as Seminarian Lawrence Igbo and Emmanuel Onwudi.
The security operation also led to the recovery of ransom allegedly paid to secure the victims’ release.
Four AK-47 rifles, seven magazines and 133 rounds of ammunition were reportedly recovered from the suspects during the operation.
The security agencies said one of the suspected kidnappers was killed during a gun battle with the operatives, while three others were arrested.
The suspects were subsequently paraded at the DSS headquarters in Enugu on Monday evening.
The operation also culminated in the rescue of Igbo and Onwudi, who were the remaining victims of the August 2 attack.
Speaking during the parade, Governor Peter Mbah, who was represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Prof Chidiebere Onyia, said the suspects were tracked with the aid of the state’s technology-driven security system.
Mbah disclosed that the ransom allegedly paid during the operation was subsequently recovered by the security agencies.
He added that the rescued victims had identified the arrested suspects as members of the gang allegedly responsible for their abduction.
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The governor commended the DSS, Army, Police, Forest Guard and other participating agencies for working together to track down the suspects and secure the victims’ release.
He assured residents that his administration would sustain its investment in intelligence gathering and security infrastructure to combat criminal activities and protect lives and property across the state.
