Nigerian security forces have rescued two people abducted during an attack on St. Joseph’s Church in southeastern Nigeria, arresting three suspected kidnappers and killing another in a gunfight, security officials said.
The hostages — seminarian Lawrence Igbo and lay worshipper Emmanuel Onwudi — were abducted on Aug. 2 during an attack on the church in Inoyi-Affa, Udi District, Enugu State, according to information from the Catholic news agency Fides.
They were freed during a security operation involving the Department of State Services (DSS), the Nigerian Army, police, the Enugu State Forest Guard and other security personnel.
Three suspected bandits were arrested during the operation, while a fourth suspect was killed in an exchange of gunfire with police, according to the authorities.
Security forces also recovered ransom money demanded for the release of the two hostages, as well as four AK-47 rifles, seven magazines and 133 rounds of ammunition.
The officer leading the investigation said security personnel tracked the suspects using advanced security technologies deployed during the operation.
The rescue comes amid persistent concerns over kidnapping and attacks by armed groups in parts of southeastern Nigeria, where churches, communities and other civilian targets have faced security threats.
Authorities have stepped up joint security operations aimed at dismantling kidnapping networks and recovering abducted victims in the region.
