Enugu Church Kidnap: 3 Suspects Arrested, Victims Freed as Security Forces Recover Ransom
Three suspects have been arrested and all hostages freed following the August 2, 2026, abduction of church members in Enugu State.
The breakthrough came after a joint security operation tracked down the gang responsible for attacking St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Inoyi-Affa, located within the Udi Local Government Area.
Joint Security Operation and Shootout
Secretary to the Enugu State Government (SSG), Professor Chidiebere Onyia, paraded the suspects at the Department of State Services (DSS) headquarters on Monday.
During the briefing, Onyia disclosed that a fourth suspect was killed in a fierce gun battle with security forces. Security operatives successfully recovered the marked ransom money in full, which had been used as bait to trap the criminals. Following their rescue, the victims positively identified the three detained suspects as their abductors.
Government Reaffirms Zero-Tolerance Stance
Speaking on behalf of Governor Peter Mbah’s administration, Professor Onyia emphasized that the state’s technology investments are designed to eliminate blind spots for criminals.
He reiterated that the administration remains committed to preventing security breaches and ensuring that any perpetrators are swiftly brought to justice.
The three suspects remain in custody as investigations expand to catch potential collaborators.
