The security landscape in Benue State has witnessed a significant reinforcement following the approval of fresh deployments by the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun.
The latest intervention includes the deployment of the Police Air Wing for aerial surveillance, alongside additional tactical teams assigned to strategic locations across Benue.
This renewed security push is designed to strengthen operational dominance, enhance intelligence-driven missions, and dismantle criminal networks responsible for kidnapping and banditry.
Authorities explained that aerial patrols will improve reconnaissance capacity, allow faster response to distress calls, and provide real-time monitoring of flashpoints across rural and semi-urban communities.
The development follows the successful rescue of nine worshippers abducted during a night vigil at St. John Catholic Church in Ojeji, Ado Local Government Area.
The operation also led to the arrest of four suspected kidnappers, marking a breakthrough in the investigation into the incident that unsettled residents of the area.
According to the Benue State Police Command, the arrests were made after actionable intelligence was gathered by operatives attached to the Ado Division.
On February 11, 2026, two suspects—identified as Abubakar Jibril and Ashiru Ibrahim—were apprehended in connection with the church abduction.
During the arrest, officers recovered five rounds of 7.62mm ammunition from the suspects.
Police authorities noted that in line with established procedures, the suspects were transferred to the Inspector-General of Police Intelligence Response Team (IRT) for further interrogation and coordinated investigation.
Acting on follow-up intelligence, the IRT partnered with tactical units of the state command to raid a suspected hideout on February 14, 2026.
The raid yielded the recovery of one AK-47 rifle and eight additional rounds of 7.62mm ammunition.
Two more individuals believed to be core members of the kidnapping syndicate were arrested during the operation.
Investigators say preliminary findings have clearly linked the suspects to the night vigil abduction.
Officials disclosed that sustained pressure mounted through coordinated search-and-rescue operations across the Ado axis and adjoining communities forced the criminals to abandon the victims.
The nine abducted individuals were subsequently released unharmed after days of intense security operations.
The Command emphasized that efforts are ongoing to track down other fleeing members of the gang. Detectives from the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) and the IGP Intelligence Response Team are expanding the probe to ensure that everyone connected to the crime faces justice.
In its statement, the Police Command reassured residents of Benue of its unwavering commitment to protecting lives and property.
Authorities described the deployment of aerial assets and additional ground forces as part of a long-term strategy to restore confidence and eliminate violent crime in the state.
The Command also acknowledged the role played by various stakeholders in achieving the successful rescue.
It expressed appreciation to the state government, the leadership of the Catholic Diocese, the Chairman of Ado Local Government Area, and sister security agencies, including the Nigerian Army and the Benue Civil Protection Guard.
Officials described the collaboration as a clear demonstration of effective inter-agency coordination.
Meanwhile, the Benue State Government confirmed the rescue of the nine children abducted during the midnight prayer session.
In a statement issued by the Governor’s Technical Adviser on Media, Publicity, and Strategic Communication, Chief Solomon Iorpev, the government commended security operatives for their swift and decisive intervention.
Governor Hyacinth Alia praised the synergy between federal security agencies, local authorities, and community leaders.
He reiterated that security remains the foundation for development and social stability, adding that his administration will continue to strengthen collaboration with all relevant stakeholders to safeguard communities.
According to the government, the rescued children—six girls and three boys—are currently receiving medical attention and psychosocial support to aid their recovery.
Officials assured families that measures are being reinforced to prevent future occurrences.
Security analysts note that the integration of aerial surveillance into routine policing operations could significantly disrupt criminal mobility, especially in hard-to-reach rural terrains.
With air support complementing ground intelligence, law enforcement agencies are better positioned to monitor suspicious movements and respond promptly to emerging threats.
Residents across Benue have been urged to remain vigilant and cooperate with security agencies by providing timely information.
Authorities stressed that community participation remains a critical component in the ongoing campaign against kidnapping and banditry.
The Commissioner of Police reaffirmed that the Command remains fully mobilized and strategically positioned to confront all forms of violent crime.
He assured citizens that further developments will be communicated as investigations progress.
Ireport247news
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