The Benue State Police Command has confirmed the arrest of four suspects in connection with the abduction of worshippers during a night vigil at St. John Catholic Church, Ojeji, in Ado Local Government Area of Benue State.
In a statement signed by the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Udeme Edet, the Command said operatives of the Ado Division, acting on credible intelligence on February 11, 2026, arrested two suspects identified as Abubakar Jibril and Ashiru Ibrahim.
The suspects were reportedly found in possession of five rounds of 7.62mm ammunition.
According to the police, the suspects were subsequently handed over to the Inspector General of Police Intelligence Response Team (IRT) for further investigation. Acting on follow-up intelligence, the IRT, in collaboration with tactical teams of the Benue State Police Command, carried out a raid on February 14, 2026, at the hideout of one of the suspects.
The operation led to 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.
Police investigations have since established that the four arrested suspects are directly linked to the abduction that occurred during the night vigil.
The Command disclosed that sustained coordinated search-and-rescue operations across the Ado axis and adjoining communities mounted significant pressure on the criminal network, leading to the safe release of the kidnapped victims. The victims were released unhurt.
Meanwhile, efforts have been intensified to apprehend other fleeing members of the syndicate, as the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) and the IGP Intelligence Response Team continue comprehensive investigations.
In a further move to tackle kidnapping and banditry in the state, the Inspector-General of Police has approved the deployment of the Police Air Wing for aerial surveillance operations, alongside additional tactical teams to reinforce security presence in Benue State.
The Police Command acknowledged the support of the Benue State Government, the leadership of the Catholic Diocese, the Chairman of Ado Local Government Area, and sister security agencies including the Nigerian Army and the Benue Civil Protection Guard for their collaboration during the operation.
The Commissioner of Police, Benue State, CP Ifeanyi Emenari, reassured residents that the Command remains fully mobilized and determined to eliminate kidnapping, banditry, cultism, and other violent crimes across the state.
Further developments, the Command said, will be communicated in due course.
(Editor: Nkoli Omhoudu)
