Security forces arrest kidnappers of Enugu Catholic seminarian, others [Photo]

Security forces in Enugu State have arrested three suspects allegedly linked to the August 2, 2026, kidnapping at St Joseph’s Catholic Church, Inoyi-Affa, in Udi Local Government Area of the state.

The operation, conducted jointly by the Department of State Services, DSS, Nigerian Army, Nigeria Police Force, Enugu State Forest Guard and other security agencies, also led to the recovery of ransom allegedly paid to the kidnappers.

The security forces recovered four AK-47 rifles, seven magazines and 133 rounds of ammunition during the operation.

One of the suspects was killed in a gun duel with security operatives, while three others were arrested and paraded at the DSS headquarters in Enugu on Monday evening.

The operation also secured the release of the two remaining victims of the August 2 attack, Seminarian Lawrence Igbo and Emmanuel Onwudi.

Speaking during the parade, Enugu State Governor Peter Mbah, represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Chidiebere Onyia, said the suspects were tracked through the state’s technology-driven security infrastructure.

Mbah said the ransom used as part of the strategy to secure the victims’ release was fully recovered.

He added that the released victims had identified the arrested suspects as members of the gang that abducted them.

The governor commended the DSS, Army, Police, Forest Guard and other security agencies for their collaboration in tracking and apprehending the suspects.

He said his administration would continue to invest in security to protect lives and property across the state.