Welcome

Tag: Nigeria Police

  • Eight Rescued Benue Kidnap Victims Identified as UTME Candidates After Initial Denial

    Eight of the passengers rescued from the Benue Links bus abduction have been confirmed as candidates of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), days after earlier claims suggested otherwise.

    Fresh details on rescued victims

    The victims were among those kidnapped on April 15, 2026, while travelling to Otukpo to sit for the ongoing Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination.

    They regained freedom early Sunday after spending about three days in captivity, with at least three of them identified as female candidates.

    Arrival in Makurdi

    Following their rescue, the victims were taken to the Benue State Government House in Makurdi by the Commissioner of Police, Ifeanyi Emenari.

    They were accompanied by their parents and guardians ahead of an official reception by Governor Hyacinth Alia.

    Sources said the victims appeared visibly exhausted as documentation processes commenced.

    How the abduction happened

    The incident occurred when gunmen intercepted a state-owned Benue Links bus on Wednesday night, abducting several passengers.

    Many of those taken were reportedly young travellers heading to Otukpo for the UTME.

    Contradiction with earlier claims

    The confirmation that some victims are examination candidates comes after earlier statements by authorities denying that any JAMB candidates were among those abducted.

    The development has raised fresh questions as investigations into the incident continue.

  • Police Rescue All 13 Abducted Benue Passengers After Days in Captivity

    Joint security operatives have rescued the remaining 13 passengers abducted by gunmen in Benue State, days after the attack on a Benue Links vehicle, bringing the total number of freed victims to all those taken.

    Breakthrough in rescue operation

    The State Commissioner of Police, Ifeanyi Emenari, confirmed the development on Sunday, noting that the rescued victims would be transported to Makurdi for further processing.

    “Yes we’re planning a news conference this morning when they arrive Makurdi,” the police chief said.

    The latest operation followed an earlier rescue of five victims, leaving 13 in captivity before the final breakthrough.

    How the abduction happened

    The incident occurred on Wednesday night when gunmen intercepted a state-owned Benue Links bus.

    Passengers, including young men and women, were forcefully taken away by the attackers during the operation.

    Many of those onboard were reportedly travelling to Otukpo for the ongoing Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination.

    Dispute over victims’ identity

    The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board had earlier denied that any of its candidates were among the victims.

    However, a relative of one of the abducted passengers disputed the claim, insisting that several of those on the bus were heading to write the examination.

    “My nephew was on that bus… most of the passengers were candidates,” the source said.

    Security concerns remain

    The incident adds to growing concerns over insecurity in parts of the country, despite ongoing efforts by authorities to curb attacks.

    Residents continue to call for stronger action as kidnappings and violent incidents persist across affected regions.

  • Police Foil IED Attack Plot in Ondo, Arrest Six Suspects in Akure

    The Ondo State Police Command has foiled a planned attack involving Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) targeting government infrastructure in Akure and other parts of the state, arresting six suspects during a swift intelligence-led operation.

    How the operation unfolded

    Commissioner of Police Adebowale Lawal said the breakthrough followed credible intelligence on the activities of a suspected criminal syndicate.

    Acting on the tip-off, operatives were deployed to a strategic location in Akure, where the suspects were intercepted before carrying out the planned attacks.

    The arrests and recovery were made on April 15, 2026.

    What police recovered

    A search of the scene and the suspects’ residence led to the recovery of several items believed to be linked to the planned operation.

    Recovered exhibits include 217 bottles, a bag of sugar, criminal charms, 17 mobile phones, ₦187,000 cash, two HP laptops, eight slings, a knife, an external hard drive, identity cards, a National Identity Number card, and two motorcycles.

    Police said some of the items are suspected components for assembling explosive devices.

    What investigators found

    Preliminary findings indicate that the suspects were actively involved in assembling IEDs intended for attacks on government facilities.

    Authorities also revealed that the group’s operations may not be limited to Ondo State, raising concerns about a wider network.

    “Early findings show the group was engaged in assembling IEDs for deployment on government infrastructure,” Lawal said.

    Security concerns

    The development highlights ongoing security threats across parts of the country, with authorities continuing to monitor activities of criminal groups operating across state lines.

    The police command said it remains committed to preventing attacks and protecting lives and property.

    Police assurance to residents

    CP Lawal urged residents to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity to security agencies.

    He assured that sustained operations are underway to dismantle criminal networks and prevent further threats in the state.