Police rescue 13 remaining passengers kidnapped on Otukpo–Adoka Road

The Benue State Police Command has successfully rescued the last 13 individuals kidnapped on the Otukpo–Adoka Road while en route from Enugu to Abuja. These passengers were among those abducted on August 14, 2026, following an ambush by gunmen who dragged them into the forest. On August 20, the police announced the rescue at around 2:00 am in Amla-Cho Forest, Otukpo Local Government Area, after a five-day intensive search and rescue mission.

The operation, conducted jointly with local security forces, was initiated based on intelligence that led them to the whereabouts of the victims. Although the kidnappers were encountered during the night operation, they managed to escape under the cover of darkness. All 13 victims emerged unharmed from the ordeal. The command also revealed that one suspect was killed in a previous encounter with security forces on August 16, resulting in a gun battle.

During this skirmish, an AK-47 rifle and five rounds of ammunition were seized. Following their rescue, the victims were transported to a medical facility for treatment before being escorted to their destinations via a chartered bus. The police clarified that the initial passenger list showed nine individuals still held captive, but subsequent verification confirmed that four more passengers were missing, raising the total rescued to 13.

This prompted the command to warn transport operators about the critical need for accurate passenger manifests. The Commissioner of Police in Benue State, CP Cletus C.N. Nwadiogbu, praised the bravery of the officers involved, assuring that intensified efforts would be made to apprehend the remaining fugitives. He also urged residents to stay vigilant and provide any information that might aid in the capture of the suspects and prevent future attacks.

The command emphasized the importance of maintaining precise passenger manifests to expedite the rescue efforts during emergencies.