Troops of the Nigerian Army under Operation Whirl Stroke have rescued 13 passengers who were abducted from a Benue Links commercial bus along the Makurdi–Otukpo Road.
The victims were freed in the early hours of Sunday, April 19, 2026, after a coordinated search-and-rescue operation in a forest in Okete Ward, Ohimini Local Government Area of Benue State.
Authorities disclosed that the rescued passengers were immediately taken to a hospital in Otukpo for medical attention, as some of them sustained injuries during their time in captivity.
Among those rescued were candidates preparing for the 2026 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination, raising concerns over how the incident could affect their academic plans.
Inside Benue:
Two UTME Candidates Escape Kidnappers in Benue as Police Launch Rescue Operation
14 Students Abducted on Their Way to UTME in Benue
Benue Mass Burial Thwarted as Armed Thugs Kidnap Mortuary Staff
Lassa Fever Threat: Enugu Declares High Alert After 10 Health Workers Die in Benue
Police Arrest Seven Suspects Over Benue Passenger Abduction
The abduction occurred on Wednesday, April 15, 2026, when armed men intercepted the commercial bus, robbed passengers, and forcefully took several of them into the bush.
Earlier reports indicated that five victims had escaped or were released, leaving 13 still in captivity until the latest rescue.
Meanwhile, the Benue State Police Command confirmed the arrest of seven suspects linked to the incident.
Police spokesperson Udeme Edet described the arrests as a major breakthrough in efforts to dismantle the kidnapping network responsible for the attack.
Security agencies members of the gang and strengthen safety along major routes in the state.
About the Author
