Operatives of the Benue State Police Command have rescued worshippers abducted during a night vigil at St. John Catholic Church, Ojeji, in Ado Local Government Area of Benue State, following coordinated intelligence-led operations that led to the arrest of four suspected kidnappers and the recovery of arms and ammunition.
According to the Command Police Public Relations Officer DSP Udeme Edet, the victims were kidnapped during a night vigil service at the church in Ado LGA. Acting on credible intelligence, operatives of the Ado Division on February 11, 2026 arrested two suspects, identified as Abubakar Jibril and Ashiru Ibrahim, in connection with the incident. The suspects were reportedly found in possession of five rounds of 7.62mm ammunition.
The suspects were subsequently transferred to the Inspector-General of Police Intelligence Response Team for further investigation. Acting on follow-up intelligence, the IRT, in collaboration with tactical teams of the Benue State Police Command, raided a hideout linked to one of the suspects on February 14, 2026.
The operation resulted in the recovery of one AK-47 rifle and eight rounds of 7.62mm ammunition, while two additional suspects believed to be key members of the kidnapping syndicate were apprehended.
Police authorities said preliminary investigations have established a direct link between the arrested suspects and the abduction at St. John Catholic Church.
The Command disclosed that sustained pressure mounted through coordinated search-and-rescue operations across the Ado axis and adjoining communities forced the kidnappers to release the victims unhurt. Efforts are ongoing to apprehend other fleeing members of the criminal network, as investigations continue at the State Criminal Investigation Department in conjunction with the IRT.
In a move to strengthen security operations in the state, the Inspector-General of Police has approved the deployment of the Police Air Wing for aerial surveillance and reinforced tactical teams to Benue State to enhance intelligence-driven operations and deny criminal elements operational space.
The Police Command expressed appreciation to the Benue State Government, the Catholic Diocese leadership for adopting a non-kinetic approach, the Chairman of Ado Local Government Area, and other security agencies, including the Nigerian Army and the Benue Civil Protection Guard, for their collaboration during the operation.
The Commissioner of Police, Ifeanyi Emenari, reaffirmed the Command’s resolve to eliminate kidnapping, banditry, cultism and other violent crimes across the state, assuring residents of sustained security operations.
Further developments are expected as investigations progress.
