Benue: Police arrest four suspects linked to Catholic Church abduction in Ado, recover weapons

The Benue State Police Command has arrested four suspects linked to the recent abduction of church worshippers during a night vigil at St. John Catholic Church, Ojeji, Ado Local Government Area.

The arrests began on February 11, 2026, when operatives of the Ado Division, acting on credible intelligence, apprehended Abubakar Jibril and Ashiru Ibrahim.

The two were found with five rounds of 7.62mm ammunition and were promptly handed over to the Inspector-General of Police Intelligence Response Team (IRT) for further investigation.

Following up on leads from the initial arrest, the IRT, alongside tactical teams of the Benue State Police Command, raided Ashiru Ibrahim’s hideout on February 14, recovering an AK-47 rifle, eight rounds of 7.62mm ammunition, and arresting two additional suspects believed to be key members of the kidnapping syndicate.

Investigations so far indicate that all four arrested individuals are directly connected to the night-vigil abduction.

The victims were rescued unharmed thanks to sustained police operations in Ado and neighboring communities.

In response to the threat of kidnapping and banditry, the Inspector-General of Police has deployed the Police Air Wing for aerial surveillance in Benue State and reinforced tactical teams to strengthen security operations.

The Benue State Police Command, led by CP Ifeanyi Emenari, expressed gratitude to the Benue State Government, the Catholic Diocese, local authorities, and sister security agencies for their cooperation, which contributed to the successful arrests and safe release of the victims.

The suspects remain in custody as investigations continue, with authorities promising that all those connected to the crime will be brought to justice.