Police Begin Air Surveillance In Benue, Arrest 4 Kidnappers

The Benue State Police Command said the inspector-general of police (IGP) Kayode Egbedokun, has approved the deployment of the Police Air Wing for aerial surveillance and operations, alongside the reinforcement of additional tactical teams to the state.

The command said in further demonstration of the resolve to decisively confront kidnapping and banditry, the deployment was aimed at strengthening security dominance, improving intelligence-led operations and denying criminal elements any operational space within the state.

The command’s spokesperson, DSP Udeme Edet, said in a statement yesterday that four suspected kidnappers were arrested following the rescue of nine victims abducted during a night vigil at St. John Catholic Church, Ojeji, Ado local government area of the state.

The statement explained that on 11th February, 2026, operatives of the Ado Division, acting on credible intelligence, arrested two suspects—Abubakar Jibril (male) and Ashiru Ibrahim (male)—in connection with the night-vigil kidnapping incident.

“The suspects were found in possession of five rounds of 7.62mm ammunition,” he said.

The statement said 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 7.62mm ammunition, as well as the arrest of two additional suspects believed to be key members of the kidnapping syndicate,” the statement reads.

The Command said investigations so far have clearly established that the arrested suspects were directly linked to the abduction that occurred during the night vigil at St. John Catholic Church.

Parts of the statement reads, “The Benue State Police Command working in synergy with sister security agencies wishes to reassure the good people of Benue State and the general public of its unwavering commitment to the protection of lives and property, following the successful rescue of victims abducted during a night vigil at St. John Catholic Church, Ojeji, Ado Local Government Area.

“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. Efforts have since been intensified to track down and apprehend other fleeing members of the criminal network, as the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) and the IGP Intelligence Response Team (IRT) continues comprehensive investigations to ensure that all those connected to this crime are brought to justice.

“The Benue State Police Command acknowledges and appreciates the collective support and cooperation received during the operation, particularly the support of the Benue State Government, the leadership of the Catholic Diocese who championed the non-kinetic approach, 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.”

The Commissioner of Police, Benue State Police Command, CP Ifeanyi Emenari, reassured the people of the state that the Command remains fully mobilised, strategically positioned, and resolute in its determination to eliminate kidnapping, banditry, cultism and all forms of violent crime across the state.

“Further developments will be communicated accordingly” the statement said.

Meanwhile, the Benue State Government has confirmed the rescued of nine children who were kidnapped from Saint John Catholic Church in Ojije, Utonkon community in Ado local government area of the state during a midnight prayer session recently.

In a statement issued by the governor’s Technical Adviser on Media, Publicity, and Strategic Communication, Chief Solomon Iorpev, Alia commended security operatives for the timely intervention.

The statement noted that the rescued children, comprising of six girls and three boys, were receiving care and support after the rescue.

Alia emphasised that security is the foundation of development and his administration will continue to strengthen collaboration with federal security agencies, community leaders, traditional institutions, and local security to ensure that communities live without fear and Benue remains a land of peace, justice, and coexistence.