The Commissioner of Police in Benue State, Ifeanyi Emenari, disclosed this on Sunday while presenting 15 of the rescued victims to Governor Hyacinth Alia at the Government House in Makurdi. Emenari said the operation, carried out in collaboration with other security agencies, led to the successful recovery of all the victims. He also confirmed the arrest of seven suspects linked to the incident, describing it as a major breakthrough in the investigation. The suspects are currently in custody. The rescued victims are expected to receive medical attention as investigations continue. Governor Alia commended security operatives and community members for their role in the rescue. He also revealed that eight of the victims were candidates of the ongoing Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME), who were travelling to Otukpo at the time of the attack. This disclosure contradicts earlier statements by both the police and the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), which had indicated that no UTME candidates were among those abducted. Gunmen had intercepted the state-owned Benue Links bus last Wednesday along the Benue Burnt Bricks area in Otukpo Local Government Area, robbing passengers before taking several of them into the bush. Security operatives launched a coordinated search across nearby areas, leading to the rescue of some victims, while two others escaped from captivity. Police confirmed on Sunday morning that the remaining 13 victims had been freed, completing the rescue operation.

The Nigerian Army has arrested over 20 suspected terrorists and other criminals in coordinated nationwide operations carried out within the last 24 hours, as part of ongoing efforts to combat insurgency. According to an operational report released on Sunday at the Army Headquarters in Abuja, the arrests followed intelligence-led offensives conducted in collaboration with other security agencies and local vigilantes. The operations targeted terrorist hideouts, kidnapping syndicates, and criminal networks across several states. In Kogi State, troops of the 12 Brigade, working with the Nigerian Police and vigilantes, carried out operations in Kakuma Ileteju/Origa and Ijumu villages, leading to the arrest of two suspected terrorists. Two motorcycles and two chainsaws were also recovered. In Kaduna State, troops of Sector 1 Operation FANSAN YAMMA apprehended a suspect at Afaka, who reportedly confessed to fleeing a terrorist camp due to internal clashes among members. In Sokoto State, troops of the COAS Intervention Battalion VII, alongside 8 Division Nigerian Army Stalkers, cleared multiple villages in Tangaza Local Government Area, destroying a terrorist camp and recovering camouflage trousers. Operations in Niger State led to the rescue of a Nigerien national who had been held captive for over three weeks. Troops also disposed of an improvised explosive device (IED), arrested five suspects, and dismantled terrorist camps and illegal mining sites. In Kwara State, troops responded to a distress call, forcing kidnappers to abandon three victims. Similarly, in Edo State, troops rescued victims, arrested five suspected kidnappers, and recovered an AK-47 rifle, ammunition, and mobile phones. In Delta State, a suspected IPOB member was arrested at Umunede Junction. In the South-South region, troops of the 2 Brigade raided drug hideouts in Akwa Ibom State, arresting six suspects and recovering various illicit substances, including cannabis, methamphetamine, codeine, and tramadol, along with cash. In Rivers State, troops dismantled illegal oil bunkering infrastructure, recovering pipes, hoses, drum ovens, receivers, and other equipment used in refining activities. In Plateau State, troops of Operation ENDURING PEACE intercepted criminal elements, arresting nine suspects and recovering firearms, ammunition, motorcycles, mobile phones, and cash. In Abia State, troops discovered sacks of suspected stolen crude oil concealed along the Imo River axis in line with operational directives.