The Benue State Police Command has rescued 13 passengers who were abducted along the Ankpechi–Omutele axis of Ohimini Local Government Area of the state.
The victims were kidnapped on August 13, 2026, when an 18-seater commercial bus travelling from Enugu State to Abuja was attacked by suspected kidnappers.
According to the police, the victims were rescued during a night operation at about 2:00 a.m. on August 20 at Amla-Cho Forest in Otukpo Local Government Area.
The Police Public Relations Officer, Peter Aondongu, said the rescue followed several days of intensive search operations involving police operatives and local security personnel.
He disclosed that security operatives encountered the kidnappers during the operation, leading to a gun battle. One suspected kidnapper was reportedly neutralised, while an AK-47 rifle and five rounds of live ammunition were recovered.
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The remaining suspects reportedly fled into the forest under the cover of darkness.
The rescued victims were said to be unhurt and were taken to a medical facility for treatment before being transported to their respective destinations in a chartered bus.
The Commissioner of Police in Benue State, Cletus Nwadiogbu, commended the security personnel involved in the operation and assured residents that efforts were ongoing to apprehend the fleeing suspects.
The command also urged residents to remain vigilant and provide credible information that could assist security agencies in tracking down criminal elements.
Transport operators were further advised to maintain accurate passenger manifests on every trip, noting that proper documentation can assist security agencies during emergencies and rescue operations.
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