Daniel Ndukwe, spokesperson for the Enugu State Police Command, announced in Enugu that a joint security team had launched an intensified rescue operation after armed men attacked a church service in Affa Community, Udi Local Government Area, abducting worshippers before fleeing with two victims on Sunday morning.

The attack unfolded at about 8.30am at St Joseph Catholic Church, Inoyi, where eyewitnesses said the assailants disrupted worship and initially seized four people, including a seminarian, a catechist and two other church members.

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Security operatives comprising police officers, Forest Guards and members of the Neighbourhood Watch Group responded shortly after receiving a distress call.

Ndukwe said officers pursued the fleeing suspects, forcing the gunmen to abandon one of the abductees during the chase. The rescued victim was found unharmed, while the attackers escaped with two others.

“The operatives, while closing in on the fleeing suspects, forced them to abandon one of the victims, who was rescued unhurt,” Ndukwe said.

The Police Public Relations Officer added that Commissioner of Police Mamman Giwa had directed the Area Commander in Oji River and the Head of the Command’s Violent Crime Response Unit to deploy all available operational assets to secure the release of the remaining victims and arrest those responsible.

According to Ndukwe, the commissioner also instructed the Assistant Commissioner of Police in charge of the State Intelligence Department to generate actionable human and technical intelligence.

The Enugu State Command and Control Centre’s surveillance capabilities have also been activated to strengthen the ongoing operation.

“The command is assuring them that every available resource is being deployed to secure the safe rescue of the remaining victims and bring the perpetrators to justice,” Ndukwe said.

The successful rescue of one abductee during the pursuit emerged as a significant development in an otherwise distressing incident, offering a measure of hope to families awaiting the safe return of the remaining victims.

The attack comes against the backdrop of persistent kidnapping incidents in parts of Enugu State despite intensified security operations.

Udi Local Government Area has witnessed previous abductions involving Catholic clergy and travellers, prompting repeated calls for stronger security coordination and intelligence-led policing.

The latest attack has renewed concerns over the safety of worshippers and rural communities across the state.

Security analysts have observed that churches and isolated communities remain vulnerable because of their location, although authorities have continued to expand joint operations involving conventional security agencies and local vigilante groups.

The Enugu State Police Command appealed to residents to remain calm and provide credible information that could assist ongoing investigations and rescue efforts.

Authorities said the operation remains active, with surveillance and intelligence assets focused on locating the abducted victims and apprehending the gunmen.

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The incident occurred as security agencies across Nigeria continue efforts to curb kidnappings for ransom, a crime that has affected several regions in recent years and prompted governments to strengthen collaboration with community-based security structures.