The Benue State Police Command has rescued nine passengers who were abducted along the Ankpenchi-Ogobia road in Ohimini Local Government Area of the state.
The victims were among 13 passengers kidnapped when armed men intercepted a commercial bus on September 13, 2026.
The State Commissioner of Police, Cletus Nwadiogbu, disclosed the development during a press conference at the command headquarters in Makurdi on Friday.
Gunmen Attack Commercial Bus
According to Nwadiogbu, the incident occurred at about 11pm when suspected kidnappers stopped the bus along the Ankpenchi-Ogobia axis.
All 13 passengers were reportedly taken into the forest.
Police operations following the abduction initially led to the rescue of four victims, while nine others remained with the kidnappers.
Police Storm Kidnappers’ Camp
The Commissioner said tactical teams continued the search and rescue operation after the initial attack.
In the early hours of Friday, September 18, operatives attached to the Violent Crime Response Unit and other tactical teams stormed the suspected kidnappers’ camp in the Ankpenchi area of Amla Forest.
The operation was based on credible intelligence gathered by the police.
A gun battle reportedly broke out when the police entered the camp.
Eight of the remaining victims were rescued during the operation.
However, the victims told the police that another kidnapped passenger had sustained fatal injuries during the attack by the kidnappers.
The victim reportedly died in another part of the forest.
Search for Suspects, Missing Corpse Continues
The police said the nine rescued victims are safe and receiving the necessary attention.
Security operatives are also continuing efforts to arrest members of the suspected kidnapping syndicate who fled during the operation.
The command is also working to recover the body of the deceased victim.
The rescue operation highlights the continued security challenges along some routes in Benue State, where kidnapping remains a concern.
