Three suspected members of a kidnapping gang allegedly linked to the August 2 attack on St Joseph’s Catholic Church, Inoyi-Affa, in Udi Local Government Area of Enugu State, have been arrested.

The suspects were apprehended during a joint security operation involving the Department of State Services, Nigerian Army, Nigeria Police Force, Enugu State Forest Guard and other security personnel.

According to a report by PUNCH, one suspected kidnapper was killed during a gun battle with the security forces, while four AK-47 rifles and ammunition were recovered.

The arrests were disclosed on Monday night when Enugu State Governor Peter Mbah visited the state DSS headquarters to inspect the suspects. The governor was represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Prof Chidiebere Onyia.

Onyia also confirmed that two of the three people abducted during the church attack, seminarian Lawrence Igbo and Emmanuel Onwudi, had regained their freedom.

He said the two victims had identified the arrested suspects as the men who abducted them.

“One fatality” was recorded during the operation, Onyia said, adding that the deceased suspect was killed while resisting arrest.

The SSG said the arrested suspects would face prosecution, while investigations into the attack and the wider criminal network remained ongoing.

He also warned residents against providing support or information to criminal groups, saying anyone found collaborating with the suspects would also be prosecuted.

Onyia commended the security agencies involved in the operation, particularly the DSS, Nigerian Army, Police and Enugu State Forest Guard, for their roles in the arrests and recovery of the weapons.

The August 2 attack on St Joseph’s Catholic Church in Inoyi-Affa had resulted in the abduction of three people. The latest operation has led to the recovery of weapons and the arrest of three suspects allegedly connected to the incident.