Police rescue remaining 13 abducted Benue passengers, arrest seven suspects

In a significant success for law enforcement, the Nigeria Police Force has announced the complete rescue of all 18 passengers who were abducted from a Benue Links bus on April 15, 2026. This operation marks a critical breakthrough, bringing closure to a worrying incident that had gripped the region.

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The Nigeria Police Force has achieved a major operational breakthrough with the rescue of all victims abducted in the Otukpo kidnapping incident involving passengers of a Benue Links bus on 15 April 2026.

The coordinated clearance operations, driven by credible intelligence, focused on the Amla Forest corridor and surrounding areas. The successful recovery of the remaining 13 victims, notably including eight students en route to their Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination, highlights the police's commitment to protecting vulnerable citizens. Each rescued individual has received medical evaluation and is reported to be in stable condition, with family reunification pending debriefing.

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These efforts led to the safe recovery of the remaining 13 victims, including eight students en route to Otukpo for their UTME examinations. In total, all 18 passengers have now been accounted for. Each rescued individual has undergone medical evaluation, is in stable condition, and will be reunited with their families after debriefing.

Furthermore, the operation led to the arrest of seven suspects, three of whom have been positively identified as key members of the kidnapping syndicate. The police are actively pursuing leads to apprehend additional accomplices and dismantle the broader criminal network responsible for the attack. Inspector-General of Police Olatunji Disu commended the bravery and professionalism of the Benue State Command, reaffirming the force's dedication to safeguarding lives and property across Nigeria and urging continued public cooperation.

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In the course of the operation, seven suspects were arrested, three of whom have been positively identified as members of the kidnapping syndicate. Investigations are ongoing to apprehend additional accomplices and dismantle the wider criminal network behind the attack. The suspects are in custody and are being interrogated in accordance with the law.