Nine Benue Church Worshippers Freed from Kidnappers, Four Suspects Arrested
In a significant security breakthrough, nine worshippers who were abducted during a night vigil at St. John's Catholic Church, Ojije, Utonkon, in Ado Local Government Area of Benue State have been successfully rescued and are now free. The victims, who were kidnapped on Sunday, February 8, 2026, were released unhurt following intensive police operations.
Police Operations Lead to Arrests and Weapon Recovery
The Benue State Police Command, through its spokesperson DSP Udeme Edet, confirmed the rescue in a statement issued on Sunday, February 15, 2026. According to the statement, four suspects have been arrested in connection with the abduction, with investigations revealing their direct involvement in the crime.
Initial arrests were made on February 11, 2026, when operatives from the Ado Division, acting on credible intelligence, apprehended two suspects: Abubakar Jibril (male) and Ashiru Ibrahim (male). During their arrest, the suspects were found in possession of five rounds of 7.62mm ammunition. They were subsequently handed over to the Inspector General of Police Intelligence Response Team (IRT) for further investigation.
In a follow-up operation on February 14, 2026, the IRT, in collaboration with tactical teams from the Benue State Police Command, raided the hideout of Ashiru Ibrahim. This raid resulted in the recovery of one AK-47 rifle and eight rounds of 7.62mm ammunition, as well as the arrest of two additional suspects believed to be key members of the kidnapping syndicate.
Coordinated Efforts and Security Synergy
DSP Edet emphasized that the successful rescue was made possible through sustained pressure from coordinated search-and-rescue operations across the Ado axis and adjoining communities. She highlighted the synergy with sister security agencies as a critical factor in the operation's success.
To bolster security efforts, the Inspector General of Police has approved the deployment of the Police Air Wing for aerial surveillance and operations, alongside reinforcement of additional tactical teams to Benue State. This proactive deployment aims to strengthen security dominance, improve intelligence-led operations, and deny criminal elements any operational space within the state, Edet stated.
Leadership and Community Support
The Commissioner of Police, Ifeanyi Emenari, expressed appreciation for the collective support received during the operation. He thanked the Benue State government, the leadership of the Catholic Diocese—which championed a non-kinetic approach—the Chairman of Ado Local Government Area, and sister security agencies, including the Nigerian Army and the Benue Civil Protection Guard.
According to CP Emenari, this unified approach greatly contributed to the successful rescue of the victims and underscores the strength of inter-agency cooperation in safeguarding lives and property in Benue State. He reassured residents that the Command remains fully mobilized, strategically positioned, and resolute in its determination to eliminate kidnapping, banditry, cultism, and all forms of violent crime across the state.
The Criminal Investigation Department and the Inspector General of Police Intelligence Response Team are currently conducting comprehensive investigations to ensure that all those connected to the crime are brought to justice. Efforts are also being intensified to track down and apprehend other fleeing members of the criminal network.
