The Nigeria Police Force has successfully rescued all 18 passengers abducted during the April 15, 2026, attack on a Benue Links bus in Otukpo, Benue State.
The victims were freed in phases, with five initially rescued and the remaining 13 recovered during a coordinated, intelligence-led operation across the Amla Forest corridor and nearby communities.
According to a statement issued on Monday by Force Public Relations Officer, DCP Anthony Placid, eight of the rescued victims are students who were travelling to Otukpo to sit for the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination.
He confirmed that all passengers involved in the incident have now been accounted for and are in stable condition.
“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 April 15, 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,” the statement read.
During the operation, seven suspects were arrested, with three already identified as members of the kidnapping syndicate.
Police authorities said efforts are ongoing to apprehend other accomplices and dismantle the wider criminal network behind 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,” the statement added.
The Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, commended officers of the Benue State Command for their professionalism and bravery in executing the rescue mission.
He also directed intensified security operations in the Otukpo axis to prevent further criminal activities and ensure residents’ safety.
The police chief reiterated the commitment of the Nigeria Police Force to protecting lives and property nationwide, urging the public to support security agencies with timely and credible information.
