A joint task force in Enugu State has apprehended three individuals accused of involvement in the August 2, 2026, abduction at St Joseph’s Catholic Church in Inoyi-Affa, Udi Local Government Area. The operation featured a coalition of the Department of State Services, the Nigerian Army, the Nigeria Police Force, and the Enugu State Forest Guard.
During the intervention, one suspect died following an armed confrontation with security agents. Authorities successfully rescued the final two captives, Seminarian Lawrence Igbo and Emmanuel Onwudi. Furthermore, the forces seized four AK-47 rifles, seven magazines, and 133 rounds of ammunition. Significantly, officials recovered the ransom money that had been paid to the criminals.
Representing Governor Peter Mbah, the Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Chidiebere Onyia, credited the state’s advanced security technology for the successful tracking of the suspects. The victims have since verified the identity of their captors. Governor Mbah expressed gratitude to the security services for their coordinated efforts and reaffirmed his government’s commitment to prioritizing safety and protecting citizens throughout the state.
