Security Breakthrough: 13 Abducted Travelers Rescued After 5-Day Search

One person has been killed and weapons recovered in a special police operation that led to the rescue of 13 travelers who were kidnapped along the Otukpo–Adoka Road.

The travelers who began their journey in Enugu en route to Abuja were abducted on August 16, 2026.

According to an official statement released by the Benue State Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), DSP Orchia Aondongu, a breakthrough was reached during a targeted night operation inside the dense Amla-Cho Forest, located within the Otukpo Local Government Area of Benue State.

Five-Day Sustained Search Operation

The rescue was the climax of a grueling five-day sustained search-and-rescue operation.

The PPRO confirmed that a collaborative effort between dedicated police operatives and local security personnel through the forest terrain led to the successful rescue of 13 victims unhurt.

However, the abductors managed to escape deeper into the forest during the raid.

Fatal Gun Duel and Weapon Recovery

The rescue operation followed an earlier violent confrontation between security forces and the criminal gang.

Police reports indicate that on Sunday, August 16, 2026, operatives engaged the suspects in a fierce gun battle.

During the exchange, security forces neutralized one of the kidnappers. Operatives also recovered an AK-47 rifle loaded with five rounds of live ammunition at the scene.

The Passenger Manifest Discrepancy

DSP Aondongu revealed that four of the rescued victims were not documented on the commercial vehicle’s initial passenger manifest.

The police issued a warning to interstate transport operators regarding the absolute necessity of maintaining accurate, verified passenger records.

Meanwhile, the Command has assured that it is intensifying its intelligence-led operations across the state to track down and arrest the fleeing suspects.