ENUGU — Governor Peter Mbah yesterday heaped high praise on the Department of State Services (DSS) and joint security forces for a decisive operation that led to the arrest of three alleged members of the gang behind the brazen August 2, 2026 attack on St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, Inoyi‑Affa, Udi LGA.
A coordinated raid by the DSS, the Nigerian Army, the Police, the Enugu State Forest Guard and other security agencies culminated in a fierce gun battle with the suspects. One suspected gang member was neutralised during the clash, while security operatives recovered four AK‑47 rifles and a cache of ammunition.
Governor Mbah, represented at the DSS headquarters by Secretary to the State Government Prof. Chidiebere Onyia, visited the facility on Monday night to inspect the suspects and review progress. Onyia disclosed that two of the three victims abducted during the Affa attack — Seminarian Lawrence Igbo and Mr. Emmanuel Onwudi — have been freed and have positively identified the apprehended men as their captors.
Onyia said the administration will spare no effort in protecting lives and property. “There was one fatality in this process. It was one of the criminals that died in the process of apprehending them. Criminal elements will not want to be apprehended easily without a fight, but our people were ready,” he said, warning that the suspects “will face the full wrath of the law.”
The SSG delivered a blunt message to would‑be criminals and anyone who colludes with them: Enugu is no haven for criminality. “We made it very clear that if criminality becomes your venture, Enugu State is not the location to do that business; we will pursue you, we will make sure we bring you to justice,” he declared. He vowed relentless pursuit of informants and collaborators: “We will find you also…we will prosecute you as part of this evil syndicate. Wherever you are, know that investigation is ongoing and this government will track you down.”
Onyia showered encomiums on the security agencies involved, praising the “gallantry, professionalism and close cooperation” of the DSS, the Army, the Police, the Enugu State Forest Guard and other elements of the security architecture that made the operation possible.
The governor’s commendation underscores the Mbah administration’s pledge to sustain and strengthen security arrangements across the state, signaling a tough, proactive posture against those who threaten Enugu’s peace and stability.
