In a major breakthrough for state security, the Department of State Services (DSS) in Enugu paraded three suspected kidnappers tonight following a high-stakes operation that led to the safe rescue of all abductees from St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, Inoyi-Affa.
The victims were abducted on August 2, 2026, in Udi Local Government Area. A fourth suspect was killed during an intense gun battle with security forces before the remaining members of the syndicate were apprehended.
Speaking to journalists at the DSS headquarters, the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Prof. Chidiebere Onyia, confirmed the full release of the victims, who have since positively identified the arrested suspects as their captors. Prof. Onyia also disclosed that security agencies successfully recovered the entire ransom payment during the operation.
Prof. Onyia attributed the swift rescue operation to Governor Peter Mbah’s heavy investments in modern security infrastructure, specifically highlighting the integration of modern CCTV networks, drone surveillance, and a centralized Command and Control Center.
Issuing a stern warning to syndicated networks operating in the region, Onyia emphasized that Enugu State is rapidly closing the window for criminal activity: "You may flee, but you will be pursued and brought to book."
