Police Rescue All 18 Abducted Benue Bus Passengers, Arrest 7 Suspects

The Nigeria Police Force has rescued all 18 passengers abducted during the April 15 kidnapping of a Benue Links bus in Otukpo, marking the successful conclusion of a high-profile case that drew national attention.

Police Force Spokesman DCP Anthony Placid announced in a statement on Monday that the remaining 13 victims were rescued following an intelligence-driven operation carried out across the Amla Forest corridor and surrounding locations. Five victims had been rescued earlier.

Among those rescued were eight students who were travelling to Otukpo to sit for the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination. All 18 passengers have now been accounted for, with each rescued individual undergoing medical evaluation and expected to be reunited with their families after debriefing.

Seven suspects arrested

During the operation, seven suspects were arrested, with three already identified as members of the kidnapping syndicate. Investigations are ongoing to track down other accomplices and dismantle the broader criminal network linked to the attack.

“The suspects are in custody and are being interrogated in accordance with the law,” Placid said.

The Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, commended officers of the Benue State Command for their professionalism and bravery in executing the rescue mission. He directed the intensification of security operations within the Otukpo axis to prevent further criminal activities.

Security operations to continue

The police chief reiterated the commitment of the Nigeria Police Force to protecting lives and property across the country, assuring Nigerians that efforts to strengthen security and restore public confidence would be sustained.

He urged members of the public to support law enforcement agencies by providing timely and credible information to aid ongoing operations.

Sources: Punch, Premium Times, Time.com, Gatekeepers News