The Benue state police command says it has rescued 13 passengers kidnapped along the Otukpo-Adoka road.

Orchia Aondongu, spokesperson for the command, in a statement on Friday, said the victims were abducted on August 14 while travelling from Enugu to Abuja.

He said their rescue followed sustained joint operations by the police and local security personnel.

“The latest rescue operation represents a significant breakthrough in the Command’s efforts to disrupt the activities of the kidnappers,” Aondongu said.

“After about five days of intense and relentless search and rescue operations, operatives, acting on credible intelligence, embarked on a night operation which culminated in the successful rescue of the victims at about 0200hrs on 20 August 2026 at Amla-Cho Forest, Otukpo Local Government Area, where the operatives encountered the kidnappers and the victims.

“Although the suspects fled the scene under cover of darkness, the victims were successfully rescued unhurt.”

Aondongu said that on August 20, operatives engaged the kidnappers in a fierce gun battle, during which one of the suspects was killed.

He said that an AK-47 rifle and five rounds of live ammunition were recovered from the scene.

According to the spokesperson, the rescued victims were examined at a medical facility before being transported to their respective destinations.

“The command is currently intensifying efforts to track down and apprehend the fleeing suspects, who are being pursued through sustained intelligence-led operations,” the statement reads.

The Benue police spokesperson urged residents to remain vigilant and provide credible information to help apprehend the suspects.

He also advised transport operators to maintain accurate passenger manifests to aid identification and rescue efforts during emergencies.

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