Eight members of the Scripture Union Nigeria have been abducted along the boundary between Imo and Anambra States, triggering a joint security operation as police intensify efforts to track and rescue the victims.
The incident reportedly occurred on Sunday, June 14, 2026, shortly after a national conference organised by Scripture Union Nigeria at Camp of Faith, Okigwe, in Imo State. The gathering ran from June 11 to June 14 before participants began dispersing.
Police authorities in Imo State confirmed awareness of the abduction, stating that the first formal report was received on Monday when church representatives alerted security agencies. According to the command, initial intelligence suggests the victims were taken while travelling along the border corridor linking the two states.
Imo Police spokesperson Henry Okoye said officers have already begun coordinated operations with their counterparts in Anambra State, describing the area as a difficult terrain requiring joint tactical response.
“We are aware of the incident… we received it on Monday when church authorities sent a representative to inform us,” he said, noting that a discreet investigation has been activated immediately.
Security operatives say tracking analysis has already identified suspected coordinates linked to the kidnappers’ location, and surveillance and field operations are currently ongoing to rescue the victims safely.
Among those abducted are the Director General of the Scripture Union Nigeria, Uwem Cosmas, and Abolarin Tomisin, a 300-level Law student of the University of Ibadan, who also serves as the national secretary of the SU student fellowship and vice-president of the university’s chapter.
University authorities confirmed they have been notified by the church leadership and have escalated the matter to security agencies, including the Department of State Services, through the Dean of Students Affairs.
Police say the operation remains active and intelligence-driven, with confidence that the suspects’ location will be reached. However, authorities also used the incident to stress the importance of notifying security agencies ahead of large religious or organisational gatherings to improve safety coordination.
