Jos — Plateau State Police Command has arrested three people, including a clergyman and personnel of the Nigerian Air Force and Navy, over alleged plot to kidnap the wives of two prominent bishops in Jos, authorities said.
The suspects were identified as 42-year-old Rev. Hassan Yunisim Mijab of Tudun Wada, Jos North, Sgt. Ezra Sunday, a Nigerian Air Force personnel, and OS Usman Khalid, a Nigerian Navy personnel. The two military personnel are attached to Sector 1 of Operation Enduring Peace in Jos.
Police alleged that the suspects planned to abduct the wives of Bishop Ephraim Gongden and retired Bishop Benjamin Kwashi, who reside in the Rantya area of Jos South.
According to the report, the suspect were arrested on August 7, 2026, following intelligence received by the police. The command said the suspects allegedly confessed during interrogation.
The involvement of serving military personnel has added another dimension to the investigation.The police said the two military suspects were identified as members of the Nigerian Air Force and Nigerian Navy, while the relevant military authorities were informed of their arrests.
The case is expected to attract further scrutiny as investigators determine whether the suspects acted alone or were connected to a wider criminal network.
Police authorities said the suspects made statements during interrogation that allegedly linked them to the planned operation.
However, the allegations have not been tested in court, and the suspect remain entitled to due process and the presumption of innocence unless convicted by a competent court.
Investigation is ongoing to establish the circumstances surrounding the alleged conspiracy and identify and apprehend order members of the suspected criminal network.
For residents of Jos, the arrests offer a glimpse into how security agencies are attempting to prevent kidnapping plots before they turn into attacks.
-9News Nigeria.
