Enugu State Gov. Peter Mbah has commended security agencies for arresting three suspected members of the gang behind the Aug. 2, 2026 attack on St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, Inoyi-Affa, in Udi Local Government Area. The joint operation involving the Department of State Services, Nigerian Army, police, Enugu State Forest Guard and other agencies 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 a cache of ammunition. Mbah, represented by Secretary to the State Government Prof. Chidiebere Onyia, made the commendation Monday night during a visit to the DSS headquarters to inspect the arrested suspects.

Onyia also disclosed that two of the three people abducted during the church attack — Seminarian Lawrence Igbo and Emmanuel Onwudi — had regained their freedom. He said the rescued victims positively identified the three arrested suspects as their alleged abductors. The state government assured residents that it would continue investing in security and protecting lives and property.

The SSG warned residents against assisting or providing information to criminal groups, saying anyone involved would be investigated and prosecuted. He praised the DSS, Army, police, Forest Guard and other security agencies for their cooperation, stressing that the state would continue pursuing those responsible for criminal activities until they are brought to justice.