The Benue State Police Command confirmed on Sunday the safe and unconditional release of nine worshippers abducted during a night vigil at St John Catholic Church, Ojeji, in Ado Local Government Area.
The abduction occurred on February 8. The Command’s Spokesperson, DSP Edet Udeme, said in a statement from Makurdi that the victims were released unharmed following coordinated security operations.
Udeme said the command, acting on credible intelligence, arrested two suspects, Abubakar Jibril and Ashiru Ibrahim, on February 11. The suspects were found in possession of five rounds of 7.62 mm ammunition and were handed over to the Inspector-General of Police Intelligence Response Team (IRT) for further investigation.
Following follow-up intelligence, the IRT, in collaboration with tactical units of the Benue State Police Command, raided a hideout linked to Ashiru Ibrahim on February 14. The operation resulted in the seizure of an AK-47 rifle and eight rounds of 7.62 mm ammunition, as well as the arrest of two additional suspects identified as key members of the kidnapping syndicate.
“Investigations so far have established that the arrested suspects are directly linked to the abduction at St John Catholic Church,” Udeme said. Sustained search-and-rescue operations across the Ado area and neighboring communities led to the safe release of the victims.
The police confirmed intensified efforts to track and apprehend other members of the criminal network. The Criminal Investigation Department (CID) and IGP Intelligence Response Team continue comprehensive investigations into the case.
The Inspector-General of Police has approved the deployment of the Police Air Wing for aerial surveillance, alongside additional tactical units to reinforce state security. Udeme said the deployment aims to strengthen intelligence-led operations and deny criminal elements operational space.
Udeme praised the support of the Benue State Government, the Catholic Diocese leadership, the Chairman of Ado Local Government, and other security agencies including the Nigerian Army and the Benue Civil Protection Guard. She said the unified approach was instrumental in the successful rescue and highlighted the value of inter-agency cooperation in safeguarding lives and property.
Commissioner of Police Ifeanyi Emenari reassured residents that the command remains fully mobilized, strategically positioned, and resolute in its commitment to maintaining security across the state.
The operation underscores the police’s emphasis on intelligence-driven interventions and coordinated action to combat kidnapping and violent crime in Benue State.