Clergyman, 2 Security Operatives Arrested Over Alleged Plot To Kidnap Bishops’ Wives

The Plateau State Police Command has reportedly arrested a clergyman and two security operatives over an alleged plot to kidnap the wives of two prominent bishops in Jos.

The suspects were arrested following intelligence received by the police over an alleged criminal conspiracy and a foiled kidnapping attempt, according to counter-insurgency publication Zagazola Makama.

The incident reportedly occurred at about 2:10 p.m. on August 7, 2026, with one of the suspects identified as 42-year-old Rev. Hassan Yunisim Mijah of Tudun Wada, Jos North.

According to the report, the police alleged that Mijah conspired with Sgt. Ezra Sunday, a Nigerian Air Force personnel, and OS Usman Khalid, a Nigerian Navy personnel, both attached to Sector 1, Operation ENDURING PEACE, Jos.

The trio were allegedly planning to kidnap the wives of Bishop Ephraim Gongden and retired Bishop Benjamin Kwashi, who reside in the Rantya area of Jos South Local Government Area.

Makama reported that following the intelligence, operatives led by the commander of the Vigilance and Criminal Response Unit launched an operation which resulted in the arrest of the three suspects.

The publication further reported that the suspects allegedly confessed during interrogation.

It added that the Plateau State Police Command had formally notified Operation ENDURING PEACE of the arrest of the two security personnel attached to the operation.

Investigation was reportedly ongoing to establish the circumstances surrounding the alleged conspiracy and identify other members of the suspected criminal network.

However, the spokesperson for the Plateau State Police Command, Alfred Alabo, did not provide details on the matter when contacted.