Mbah Reacts to Arrest of Notorious Kidnap Kingpin, Vows to Bring Criminals to Justice

By Our Reporter

Enugu State Governor, Peter Mbah, has reacted to the arrest of a notorious kidnap kingpin and two other suspects linked to the August 2, 2026 attack at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, Inoyi-Affa, Udi Local Government Area, declaring that criminals cannot commit crimes in the state and escape justice.

The arrests followed a joint security operation involving the Department of State Services (DSS), Nigerian Army, Nigeria Police Force, Enugu State Forest Guards and other security agencies.

The operation resulted in the recovery of ransom money, four AK-47 rifles, seven magazines and 133 rounds of ammunition, while one of the suspects was killed during a gun battle with security operatives.

Two victims of the attack who were still being held by the kidnappers — Seminarian Lawrence Igbo and Mr. Emmanuel Onwudi — were also rescued.

Mbah, who was represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Chidiebere Onyia, spoke on Monday evening while responding to journalists during the parade of the suspects at the DSS State Headquarters in Enugu.

He said the successful operation demonstrated the capacity of the state’s security architecture, particularly its use of technology and intelligence-sharing among security agencies.

Mbah disclosed that the ransom deployed during the operation was recovered after security operatives tracked the kidnappers to their hideouts.

“There was one fatality in this process. It was one of the criminals that died in the process of apprehending them,” the governor said.

According to him, the suspect was killed after the criminals resisted arrest and engaged security operatives in a gun duel.

“Usually, criminal elements will not want to be apprehended easily without a fight, but our people were ready, and we have one fatality, while the others are here now as you could see; and they will face the full wrath of the law,” he said.

The governor used the development to reinforce his administration’s warning to criminal elements operating in Enugu State.

“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,” Mbah declared.

He said the government had deliberately built and continued to strengthen a security system designed to prevent crime and ensure that perpetrators are identified and apprehended when breaches occur.

“We are intentional in investing in and organising our security architecture to prevent crime. But if there is a breach, you can run, but cannot hide for long. We must get you,” he said.

“You can’t commit these crimes in Enugu State and get away with it. No way.”

Mbah further warned residents who collaborate with kidnappers and other criminal groups, particularly those who serve as informants or provide logistical support, that they would also be pursued and prosecuted.

“We will find you also, just as we have found these people, and we will prosecute you as part of this evil operation and this evil syndicate,” he warned.

“Wherever you are, know that investigation is ongoing and that this government will track you down, and you will pay for your crimes in planning havoc on our citizens. So wherever you are, we are still coming for you.”

The governor said the rescued victims had also identified the arrested suspects as their abductors, adding further weight to the ongoing investigation.

He commended the DSS, Nigerian Army, Nigeria Police Force, Enugu State Forest Guards and other security formations involved in the operation for their gallantry and cooperation.

“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,” he said.

Mbah assured residents that his administration would sustain its investment in security and continue to prioritise the protection of lives and property across Enugu State.

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