ENUGU, NIGERIA — Security operations have been intensified across forest reserves in Udi Local Government Area of Enugu State after a joint tactical team rescued one worshipper and launched a hunt for an armed gang that stormed a Catholic Church in Affa community.
The joint operational response team comprising personnel from the Nigerian Police Force, the Enugu State Forest Guards, and members of the local Neighbourhood Watch intercepted the fleeing assailants shortly after the early-morning attack at Inoyi, Affa community, on Sunday, August 2, 2026.
In a statement, the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Daniel Ndukwe, confirmed that the tactical pressure applied by operatives forced the armed kidnappers to abandon one of their captives, who was safely recovered unhurt.
However, the assailants managed to escape into nearby forest cover with two remaining victims.
“The operatives, while closing in on the fleeing suspects, forced them to abandon one of the victims, who was immediately rescued unhurt. The assailants, however, escaped with the remaining two victims,” Ndukwe stated.
Following the breach, Enugu State Commissioner of Police, Mr. Mamman Giwa, directed the Oji-River Area Commander and the head of the Command’s Violent Crime Response Unit (VCRU) to deploy all available operational assets to secure the safe release of the remaining hostages.
Additionally, the Assistant Commissioner of Police in charge of the State Intelligence Department was mandated to generate real-time human and technical intelligence, backed by the surveillance capabilities of the Enugu State Command-and-Control Centre.
CP Giwa urged residents of the Affa community to remain calm and assist law enforcement with actionable information, reassuring the public that no effort will be spared to apprehend the criminal syndicate.
The Command advises citizens with relevant security leads to contact emergency response channels via 08032003702, 08086671202, 112, 09134666668, 09134448093, or through email at pproenugu@npf.gov.ng.
