The suspects were arrested on August 7, 2026, following intelligence received by the police concerning an alleged criminal conspiracy and a planned kidnapping attempt.
One of those arrested was identified as 42-year-old Reverend Hassan Yunisim Mijah of Tudun Wada, Jos North. He was allegedly working with Sergeant 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 intended victims were identified as the wives of Bishop Ephraim Gongden and retired Bishop Benjamin Kwashi of the Anglican Communion. 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 launched an operation which resulted in the arrest of the three suspects.
The police said the suspects allegedly confessed during interrogation.
Confirming the arrests during his maiden press briefing at the Police Officers’ Mess in Jos on Friday, August 14, the Plateau State Commissioner of Police, CP Ayodeji Faniyan, said investigations were ongoing.
“As regards the case of attempted kidnap of the wives of the current and former Bishop of Jos, Anglican Communion, we have arrested the suspects and they are currently in our custody,” Faniyan said.
“We are investigating their involvement in the incident and at the end of the investigation, they will be charged to court if found culpable.”
The commissioner said the vigilance of police operatives helped expose the alleged plot before it could be carried out, assuring residents that the matter would be thoroughly investigated.
Faniyan, who assumed office as the 47th Commissioner of Police in Plateau State on August 11, said his administration would adopt proactive, intelligence-led and technology-driven policing to tackle criminal activities and protect lives and property.
He said the command would sustain operations against kidnappers, terrorists and other violent criminals, stressing that offenders would be made to face justice.
The commissioner also announced plans to strengthen community policing by working with traditional rulers, religious leaders, civil society organisations, vigilantes and other stakeholders.
He further warned residents against jungle justice, describing it as a criminal act that could amount to culpable homicide if it resulted in the death of a suspect.
“Security thrives on information. Give us timely and credible information, cooperate with our officers, and together we will make Plateau State the safest state in Nigeria,” Faniyan added.
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