The Police Command in Benue on Sunday confirmed the safe release of the nine abducted worshippers of St John Catholic Church, Ojeji, Ado Local Government Area.
The Command’s Spokesperson, DSP Edet Udeme in a statement on Sunday in Makurdi, disclosed that all the worshippers were released safely and unconditionally.
The command’s spokesperson said on February 11 that the command, while acting on credible intelligence, arrested two suspects, Abubakar Jibril and Ashiru Ibrahim, in connection with the crime.
She disclosed that the suspects were found in possession of five rounds of 7.62 mm ammunition.
Udeme explained that in line with established investigative procedures, the suspects were handed over to the Inspector General of Police Intelligence Response Team, IRT, for further investigation.
“Acting swiftly on follow-up intelligence, the IRT, in a joint operation with tactical teams of the Benue State Police Command, raided the hideout of Ashiru Ibrahim on 14th February 2026.
“The operation led to the recovery of one (1) AK-47 rifle and eight (8) rounds of 7.62 mm 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.
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“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,” she said.
Udeme said the command has intensified efforts to track down and apprehend other fleeing members of the criminal network.
Udeme said the Inspector-General of Police has approved the deployment of the Police Air Wing for aerial surveillance and operations, alongside the reinforcement of additional tactical teams to the State.
She explained that the deployment was aimed at strengthening security dominance, improving intelligence-led operations, and denying criminal elements any operational space within the state.
Udeme appreciated the collective support and cooperation received during the operation, particularly from the Benue Government and the leadership of the Catholic Diocese, who championed the non-kinetic approach.
She said they also appreciated the Chairman of Ado Local Government Area and the effective collaboration of sister security agencies, including the Nigerian Army, the Benue Civil Protection Guard and other security stakeholders.
“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,” she said.
She said the Commissioner of Police, Mr Ifeanyi Emenari, has reassured the people that the command remained fully mobilised, strategically positioned, and resolute in its determination to keep the state safe.
Meanwhile, Gov. Hyacinth Alia has commended security agencies for rescuing nine Catholic worshippers from St. John Catholic Church in Ojije, Utonkon Community in Ado Local Government Area.
In a statement by his Technical Adviser on Media, Publicity, and Strategic Communication, Mr Solomon Iorpev, the governor expressed gratitude to God for the safe return of the worshippers.
He emphasised that security was the foundation of development, and his administration would continue to strengthen collaboration with federal security agencies and all relevant stakeholders.
The governor said his administration would continue to ensure that communities live without fear and Benue remains a land of peace, justice, and coexistence.
Alia reassured the people that security forces and local vigilante groups would continue to work together to combat kidnapping and prevent future occurrences.
The governor advised residents to stay alert and report suspicious activities to security agencies.
He said he gave a marching order for the immediate release of the kidnapped victims during the February 13 meeting comprising the Idoma traditional council and top security officials in the state at Och’Idoma palace in Otukpo.
The News Agency of Nigeria reports that the worshippers were kidnapped during a night vigil on 8th February.
NAN
