Security agencies have arrested three suspected members of a kidnapping gang allegedly linked to the August 2 attack on St Joseph’s Catholic Church, Inoyi-Affa, in Udi Local Government Area of Enugu State.
The suspects were apprehended during a joint operation involving the Department of State Services (DSS), Nigerian Army, Nigeria Police Force, Enugu State Forest Guard and other security personnel.
One suspected kidnapper was killed during an exchange of gunfire with the security forces, while four AK-47 rifles and ammunition were recovered from the gang.
The development was disclosed on Monday night when Enugu State Governor, Peter Mbah, visited the state DSS headquarters to inspect the suspects.
The Secretary to the State Government, Chidiebere Onyia, who represented the governor, said two of the three people abducted during the church attack, seminarian Lawrence Igbo and Emmanuel Onwudi, had regained their freedom.
He added that the two victims had identified the arrested suspects as members of the gang that abducted them.
“One fatality was recorded in the process. It was one of the criminals who died while resisting arrest,” Onyia said.
He said the state government would continue to strengthen its security architecture and work with security agencies to prevent criminal activities and ensure that offenders were brought to justice.
According to him, the latest arrests demonstrated the government’s determination to make Enugu hostile to criminal elements.
“We made it very clear that if criminality becomes your venture, Enugu State is not the location to do that business. We will pursue you and make sure we bring you to justice,” he said.
Onyia also warned residents against providing information, logistics or other forms of support to criminal groups.
He said anyone found collaborating with the suspects would be identified and prosecuted alongside members of the criminal syndicate.
“Wherever you are, know that investigation is ongoing and that this government will track you down, and you will pay for your crimes in planning havoc on our citizens,” the SSG warned.
He commended the DSS, Army, Police, Enugu State Forest Guard and other security personnel for their roles in the operation.
The latest arrests followed the August 2 attack on the Catholic church in Inoyi-Affa, during which three people were abducted. Two of the victims have since regained their freedom.
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