9 Benue catholic worshippers released from captivity

Monday, February 16 2026 -Nine abducted worshippers of St. John’s Catholic Church, Ojije, Utonkon, in Ado Local Government Area of Benue State have regained their freedom. 

The nine worshippers were abducted during a vigil on Sunday, February 8, 2026.

The spokesperson of the command, DSP Udeme Edet, who disclosed this in a statement on Sunday, February 15, said four suspects were arrested in connection with the abduction. 

The PPRO said efforts have been intensified to track down and apprehend other fleeing members of the criminal network.

According to Edet, the Criminal Investigation Department and the Inspector General of Police Intelligence Response Team are conducting comprehensive investigations to ensure that all those connected to the crime are brought to justice.

The PPRO noted that the rescue was made possible through synergy with sister security agencies.

She said that two suspects were initially arrested, while further operations led to the arrest of an additional two persons on February 14.

“On 11th February 2026, operatives of the Ado Division, acting on credible intelligence, arrested two suspects—Abubakar Jibril (male) and Ashiru Ibrahim (male)—in connection with the night-vigil kidnapping incident,” the statement read. 

“The suspects were found in possession of five (5) rounds of 7.62mm ammunition.

“In line with established investigative procedures, the suspects were handed over to the Inspector General of Police Intelligence Response Team (IRT) for further investigation."

The spokesperson said that the IRT, in a joint operation with tactical teams of the Benue State Police Command, raided the hideout of Ashiru Ibrahim on February 14.

"The operation led to the recovery of one (1) AK-47 rifle and eight (8) rounds of 7.62mm ammunition, as well as the arrest of two additional suspects believed to be key members of the kidnapping syndicate.

“Investigations so far have clearly established that the arrested suspects are directly linked to the abduction that occurred during the night vigil at St. John Catholic Church.

“As a result of sustained pressure mounted through coordinated search-and-rescue operations across the Ado axis and adjoining communities, the kidnapped victims were successfully released unhurt.”

Edet said that the IG had approved the deployment of the Police Air Wing for aerial surveillance and operations, alongside reinforcement of additional tactical teams to the state

“This proactive deployment is aimed at strengthening security dominance, improving intelligence-led operations, and denying criminal elements any operational space within the state.”

The Commissioner of Police, Ifeanyi Emenari, appreciated the collective support and cooperation received during the operation from the state government, the leadership of the Catholic Diocese, which championed the non-kinetic approach, the Chairman of Ado Local Government Area, and sister security agencies, including the Nigerian Army, the Benue Civil Protection Guard, and other security stakeholders.

According to the CP, the 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.

The CP 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.