Security forces have arrested three suspects linked to the attack on St. Joseph's Catholic Church in Enugu, a major security operation that also led to the recovery of four AK-47 rifles and ammunition. One suspected kidnapper was killed during a shootout with security operatives.
Three Suspects Arrested in Joint Operation
The suspects were picked up during a joint operation carried out by the Department of State Services (DSS), Nigerian Army, Nigeria Police Force, Enugu State Forest Guard, and other security agencies. The operation was a major blow to the kidnapping syndicate, officials said, and dealt a significant blow to the criminal network.
Recovered AK-47 Rifles and Ammunition
Security operatives recovered four AK-47 rifles and rounds of ammunition during the joint operation that neutralized one suspect and disrupted the criminal network. The recovered weapons will be sent for forensic analysis to gather more information about the suspects.
Freed Abducted Victims Identify Suspects
Two abducted victims, Seminarian Lawrence Igbo and Emmanuel Onwudi, have regained their freedom and identified the suspects. According to sources, both victims confirmed that the arrested men were responsible for their abduction. The victims' identities were confirmed by Secretary to the Enugu State Government, Prof. Chidiebere Onyia, who visited the DSS headquarters to inspect the suspects.
Enugu State Government Warns Criminals
The Enugu State Government has warned criminals and anyone collaborating with them that they would be tracked down and prosecuted. According to Prof. Chidiebere Onyia, the state government remains committed to making Enugu a hostile environment for criminals through sustained investment in security and collaboration with security agencies.
"We made it very clear that if criminality becomes your venture, Enugu State is not the location to do that business; that we will pursue you, we will make sure we bring you to justice, and that was why we put the robust security architecture across the state, working in collaboration with the security forces to ensure that Enugu is uncomfortable for anybody that plans criminality, and you're seeing that very clearly," Onyia said.
SSG Praises Security Agencies
The Secretary to the Enugu State Government also praised the DSS, the Nigerian Army, the Police, the Enugu State Forest Guard and other security personnel for the successful operation. "We also want to very highly commend all the security agencies: the DSS, Nigerian Army, the Nigerian Police, the Enugu State Forest Guard, the military services, others for being very instrumental in some of the work that was done, and continue to do in Enugu State," the SSG declared.
The latest arrests come as security agencies continue investigations to track down other members of the kidnapping syndicate believed to have taken part in the church attack. The Enugu State Government has vowed to make Enugu State a hostile environment for criminals, and will continue to work with security agencies to ensure that those responsible for the attack are brought to justice.
Source: Pulse.ng
