(DCP Anthony Placid. Photo by PR Nigeria)
What started as a terrifying bus abduction turned into a major win for security forces—police stormed the forest, rescued all 18 victims (including students heading for exams), and began dismantling the kidnapping gang behind it.
Following coordinated clearance efforts in the area, the Nigeria Police Force has freed all 18 passengers who were kidnapped on April 15, 2026, from a Benue Links bus in Otukpo, Benue State.
Five of the victims had already been saved by the police, and the remaining thirteen were saved after an intelligence-driven operation was conducted throughout the Amla Forest corridor and its environs.
In a statement released by the Force Spokesman on Monday, DCP Anthony Placid, among those rescued were eight students who 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 accounted for.
“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, ” the statement partly read.
He claimed that three of the seven individuals who were detained during the operation had already been identified as members of the abduction syndicate.
He added that Investigations are still underway to find additional accomplices and break up the larger criminal network connected to the attack.
Three of the seven individuals who were detained during the operation have been positively recognized as kidnapping syndicate members. To find further accomplices and dismantle the larger criminal network behind the attack, investigations are still underway. He stated, “The suspects are being held and questioned in compliance with the law.”
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 the intensification of security operations within the Otukpo axis to prevent further criminal activities and ensure the safety of residents.
The police chief reiterated the commitment of the Nigeria Police Force to protecting lives and property across the country, assuring Nigerians that efforts to strengthen security and restore public confidence would be sustained.
He further urged members of the public to support law enforcement agencies by providing timely and credible information to aid ongoing operations.