Fatimah Otunsanya
The Nigeria Police Force has rescued all 18 passengers abducted during the April 15, 2026, kidnapping of a Benue Links bus in Otukpo, Benue State, following coordinated clearance operations in the area.
The police had earlier rescued five of the victims, while the remaining 13 were rescued following an intelligence-driven operation carried out across the Amla Forest corridor and surrounding locations.
According to a statement on Monday by the Force Spokesman, DCP Anthony Placid, among those rescued were eight students who were travelling to Otukpo to sit for the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination.
He confirmed that all 18 passengers involved in the incident have now been accounted for.
“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.
“Acting on credible intelligence, operatives of the Benue State Police Command launched coordinated clearance operations across the Amla Forest corridor and adjoining areas.
“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, ” the statement partly read.
During the operation, he said seven suspects were arrested, with three already identified as members of the kidnapping syndicate.
He added that Investigations are ongoing to track down other accomplices and dismantle the broader criminal network linked to the attack.
“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, ” he said.
The Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, commended officers of the Benue State Command for their professionalism and bravery in executing the rescue mission.
He also directed the intensification of security operations within the Otukpo axis to prevent further criminal activities and ensure the safety of residents.
The police chief reiterated the commitment of the Nigeria Police Force to protecting lives and property across the country, assuring Nigerians that efforts to strengthen security and restore public confidence would be sustained.
He further urged members of the public to support law enforcement agencies by providing timely and credible information to aid ongoing operations.
