Gunmen Storm Catholic Church in Enugu, Kidnap Three

Security operatives have rescued one of three worshippers abducted by gunmen during a raid on a Catholic Church in Affa Community, Udi Local Government Area of Enugu State, as a massive manhunt has been launched to rescue the remaining victims.

Key Highlights

• Gunmen invade Catholic Church in Affa, Enugu, abduct three worshippers.
• Joint security team rescues one victim unhurt during pursuit.
• Police intensify manhunt for fleeing kidnappers.
• Enugu CP deploys VCRU, intelligence assets and Command-and-Control Centre.
• Residents urged to provide credible information to security agencies.

A joint security team comprising police operatives, Forest Guards and members of the Neighbourhood Watch Group has intensified rescue operations following the abduction of three persons during an attack on a Catholic Church in Inoyi, Affa Community, Udi Local Government Area.

The attack occurred in the early hours of August 2, 2026, according to a statement issued by the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Daniel Ndukwe.

Ndukwe disclosed that security operatives swiftly pursued the fleeing suspects, forcing them to abandon one of the victims, who was rescued unharmed.

However, the kidnappers escaped with the remaining two victims.

Following the incident, the Commissioner of Police, Mr. Mamman Giwa, directed the Area Commander, Oji River, and the Commander of the Violent Crime Response Unit (VCRU) to intensify rescue operations and deploy all available operational resources to secure the victims’ release.

The CP also ordered the Assistant Commissioner of Police in charge of the State Intelligence Department to generate actionable human and technical intelligence to support the ongoing operation.

According to the police, the Enugu State Command-and-Control Centre has activated its surveillance and technical capabilities to strengthen the search for the kidnappers.

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The command appealed to residents to remain calm and cooperate with security agencies by providing credible information that could aid the rescue mission and the arrest of the suspects.

Members of the public can report useful information through the following emergency numbers: 08032003702, 08086671202, 112, 09134666668, or 09134448093, or via email at [email protected].