Police Arrest Cleric, Two Military Officers Over Alleged Plot to Kidnap Bishops’ Wives in Plateau

The Plateau State Police Command has reportedly arrested a cleric and two military personnel over an alleged plot to kidnap the wives of two prominent bishops in Jos.

The suspects were arrested following intelligence received by the police concerning an alleged criminal conspiracy and a foiled kidnapping attempt.

According to counter-insurgency publication Zagazola Makama, the incident occurred at about 2:10 p.m. on August 7, 2026.

One of the suspects was identified as 42-year-old Rev. Hassan Yunisim Mijah of Tudun Wada, Jos North.

The publication reported that police identified Mijah as an alleged accomplice of Sgt. Ezra Sunday, a Nigerian Air Force personnel, and OS Usman Khalid, a Nigerian Navy personnel, both attached to Sector 1 of Operation Enduring Peace in Jos.

The three suspects were allegedly planning to kidnap the wives of Bishop Ephraim Gongden and retired Bishop Benjamin Kwashi, who reportedly reside in the Rantya area of Jos South Local Government Area.

Following receipt of the intelligence, police operatives led by the commander of the Vigilance and Criminal Response Unit immediately commenced an operation that resulted in the arrest of the suspects.

Zagazola Makama reported that the suspects allegedly confessed during interrogation.

The police command also reportedly informed Operation Enduring Peace about the arrest of the two military personnel attached to the operation.

Investigators are continuing efforts to establish the circumstances surrounding the alleged conspiracy and identify and arrest other members of the suspected criminal network.