Plateau Police Arrest Cleric, Two Security Personnel Over Alleged Plot to Kidnap Bishops’ Wives
The Plateau State Police Command has arrested a cleric and two serving security personnel over an alleged plot to abduct the wives of two prominent bishops in Jos.
The suspects were arrested following intelligence received by the police about a suspected kidnapping plan targeting the wives of Bishop Ephraim Gongden and retired Bishop Benjamin Kwashi.
According to security publication Zagazola Makama, the arrests were made at about 2:10 p.m. on Friday, August 7, 2026.
One of the suspects was identified as 42-year-old Reverend Hassan Yunisim Mijah of Tudun Wada, Jos North.
The police alleged that Mijah conspired with Sergeant Ezra Sunday, a Nigerian Air Force personnel, and OS Usman Khalid, a Nigerian Navy personnel. Both security personnel are attached to Sector 1 of Operation ENDURING PEACE (OPEP) in Jos.
The two bishops are reportedly residents of the Rantya area of Jos South Local Government Area.
Following the intelligence, operatives led by the Commander of the Vigilance and Criminal Response Unit (VCRU) launched an operation that resulted in the arrest of the three suspects.
They were subsequently taken into custody for interrogation.
The police said the suspects allegedly confessed to their involvement in the planned abduction during questioning.
The command has also notified the leadership of Operation ENDURING PEACE about the arrest of the two security personnel attached to the operation.
Investigators are now working to establish the circumstances surrounding the alleged plot and determine whether other individuals were involved.
The police are also expected to establish the motive behind the alleged abduction and determine the extent of each suspect’s involvement.
The arrests come amid continued security concerns in Plateau State, where security agencies have intensified intelligence-led operations aimed at preventing kidnapping and other violent crimes.
The investigation is ongoing, with further action expected after the police conclude their inquiries.
