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Several individuals abducted earlier this week in Nigeria’s Benue State have regained their freedom following a coordinated security operation, according to police authorities.
The victims were among 14 people kidnapped on Wednesday, in what reflects a persistent pattern of abductions across parts of the country.
Confirming the development, Benue State Police spokesperson Udeme Edet said that security operatives have intensified efforts to locate and rescue all those still in captivity.
“In a coordinated joint security operation involving the police and other sister security agencies, operatives are conducting a targeted search-and-rescue mission in Amla Forest and adjoining areas,” Edet said. He added that the operation “has led to the successful rescue of some of the victims, who are currently receiving medical attention.”
While authorities did not disclose the exact number of those rescued, Edet confirmed that seven suspects have been apprehended in connection with the incident. Security agencies have continued to pursue those responsible, as efforts remain ongoing to secure the release of the remaining victims.
Police also clarified earlier reports surrounding the victims’ identities, noting that those abducted were not students en route to sit for a university entrance examination, as initially suggested. Instead, they were passengers travelling on a commercial bus heading towards Makurdi, the Benue State capital.
Kidnapping for ransom has remained a significant security challenge in Nigeria, with incidents increasing in recent months, particularly across northern and central regions. These attacks are often carried out by armed criminal groups commonly referred to as bandits, as well as terrorists operating in certain areas.
Benue State, located in Nigeria’s Middle Belt, has also faced recurring tensions linked to disputes between Fulani herders and predominantly farming communities over land and access to resources. These underlying conflicts have contributed to a volatile security environment, complicating efforts to address criminal activities such as abductions.
