Gunmen abducted church members in Naka community, Gwer West LGA, Benue State.
29 Sept 2025 · Naka, Gwer West, Benue
Deaths
0
Injured
0
Total casualties
0
Perpetrators
Unidentified Armed Actors
Response
Army troops of Operation Whirlstroke, alongside the Divisional Police Officer of Naka, promptly mobilized patrol and tactical teams to the scene. The joint team rescued the driver and the seven passengers, while a coordinated operation was launched to rescue the abducted victims. The Commissioner of Police, through the Assistant Commissioner of Police in charge of Makurdi, directed the deployment of operatives from the Counter-Terrorism Unit, Anti-Kidnapping Squad, Operation Zenda, State Intelligence Bureau, and Police Mobile Force. Bush combing operations are ongoing to track the perpetrators and ensure the safe rescue of the victims. The Criminal Investigation Department (CID) has commenced a full investigation into the incident.
Displacement
0
Socioeconomic drivers
Banditry-for-ransom economy, intimidation of faith communities
Trajectory
Incident reflects expansion of abductions into religious spaces.
Cycle notes
Naka kidnappings weaken faith-based resilience over time.
Pattern
Kidnapping targeting worshippers
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