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The Nigeria Police Force has rescued the remaining 13 people abducted in the Benue Links bus in Otukpo, Benue State.
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.
Recall, the 18 passengers were kidnapped on April 15, 2026. According to a statement on Monday, April 20, by the Force Spokesman, DCP Anthony Placid, the eight students rescued 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 rescued and accounted for.
OTUKPO KIDNAPPING: POLICE RESCUE ALL ABDUCTED BENUE LINKS PASSENGERS, INCLUDING STUDENTS, ARREST SUSPECTS
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… pic.twitter.com/0qXIGKZEyk
— Nigeria Police Force (@PoliceNG) April 20, 2026
The statement reads;
“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.”
Placid added that during the operation, seven suspects were arrested, with three already identified as members of the kidnapping syndicate. Investigations have begun to track down other accomplices and dismantle the criminal gang 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.
Speaking on the rescue operation, the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, also commended officers of the Benue State Command for their professionalism and bravery in executing the rescue mission. He directed the intensification of security operations within the Otukpo axis to prevent criminal activities and ensure the safety of residents.
The police chief emphasised the Nigeria Police Force’s commitment to protecting lives and property across the country, assuring Nigerians that efforts to strengthen security and restore public confidence would be sustained.
Disu urged members of the public to support law enforcement agencies by providing timely, credible information to support ongoing operations.
