Mbah Commends Security Forces After Arrest of Affa Church Kidnap Suspects

Enugu State Governor Peter Mbah has commended security agencies for arresting three suspected members of a kidnapping gang linked to the August 2 attack on St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, Inoyi-Affa, in Udi Local Government Area.

The operation, involving the Department of State Services (DSS), Nigerian Army, Nigeria Police Force, Enugu State Forest Guard and other security personnel, reportedly resulted in a gun battle with the suspects.

One suspected kidnapper was killed during the operation, while security operatives recovered four AK-47 rifles and ammunition.

Governor Mbah gave the commendation on Monday night after he visited the Enugu State DSS headquarters to see the arrested suspects.

The governor was represented during the visit by the Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Chidiebere Onyia.

Onyia disclosed that two of the three victims abducted during the August 2 attack had regained their freedom.

The victims were identified as Seminarian Lawrence Igbo and Emmanuel Onwudi.

According to the SSG, both men had positively identified the arrested suspects as members of the gang responsible for their abduction.

He said the successful operation demonstrated the government’s determination to strengthen security across Enugu State and ensure that criminal elements are brought to justice.

“There was one fatality in this process. It was one of the criminals that died in the process of apprehending them,” Onyia said.

He added that the remaining suspects would face prosecution in accordance with the law.

The state government said it had invested in a security architecture designed to prevent crime and respond quickly when breaches occur.

Onyia warned criminal groups operating in the state that security agencies would continue to pursue them until they were arrested.

He also cautioned residents against providing information, logistics or other assistance to criminal networks.

According to him, anyone found collaborating with kidnappers or serving as an informant would also be investigated and prosecuted.

“Wherever you are, know that investigation is ongoing and that this government will track you down,” he warned.

The SSG said the government would continue working with security agencies to make Enugu hostile to kidnapping and other forms of violent crime.

Mbah also commended the DSS, Nigerian Army, Nigeria Police Force, Enugu State Forest Guard and other security personnel involved in the operation.

Onyia praised the agencies for their cooperation and what he described as their gallantry in tracking the suspects.

The arrests come amid heightened security operations in Enugu State following a series of kidnapping incidents and other security challenges.

The state government said it would continue to invest in intelligence gathering, inter-agency cooperation and other security measures aimed at protecting residents and their property.