Two Catholic nuns, Sisters Vincentia Maria Nwankwo and Grace Mariette Okoli, have been freed after being kidnapped by seven armed men in Nigeria on 7 January. The nuns, who are members of the Sisters of the Immaculate Heart of Mary congregation, were intercepted while returning from a meeting of their Vocational Association in Ogboji town. After six days in captivity, they were released on 13 January, reportedly unharmed and in good health.
The congregation expressed gratitude for the nuns’ safe release, thanking God and all those who prayed and supported them during their ordeal. According to the pontifical foundation Aid to the Church in Need (ACN), the kidnappers are believed to be members of criminal gangs operating in the region, although official confirmation is still pending. The incident highlights the security concerns and risks faced by religious individuals and communities in Nigeria.