Unknown gunmen have abducted Rev. Dr. Samuel Gbinde of the NKST, alongside two members of his congregation in Benue State.

The victims were reportedly seized in the early hours of Tuesday after armed men invaded the pastor’s residence at NKST Church, Andyar, located in the Ishan Classis area of the state.

Confirming the incident, the NKST leadership described the abduction as unfortunate and appealed to Christians and the general public to pray for the safe and unconditional release of the victims.

In a statement dated June 30, 2026, and signed by the church’s General Secretary, Rev. Dr. T. A. Targba, the denomination said Rev. Dr. Gbinde and the two church members were taken from the church premises by their captors.

The church extended its sympathy to the affected families and members of the Andyar congregation, praying that God would strengthen and comfort them during the ordeal.

NKST also called on security agencies, as well as the Benue State and Federal Governments, to intensify efforts to rescue the abducted victims and ensure those responsible are arrested and prosecuted.

The church urged both levels of government to adopt more proactive and long-term strategies to combat kidnapping and other security challenges, stressing that preventing such crimes should take priority over responding after attacks occur.

Reaffirming its faith, the denomination said it remained steadfast in prayer, expressing confidence that Rev. Dr. Gbinde, the two church members, and others currently in captivity would return safely.

It also prayed for God’s protection over the Church and for lasting peace and security across Nigeria.

The Nigeria Police Force has recorded another major breakthrough in its sustained offensive against violent crime with the dismantling of a notorious kidnapping syndicate responsible for a series of abductions and killings along the Federal Capital Territory (FCT)–Nasarawa border communities.

In coordinated intelligence-led operations conducted between 24th and 26th June 2026, operatives of the Force Intelligence Department–Special Tactical Squad (FID-STS) arrested two suspected members of the notorious kidnapping syndicate during operations in Gbagalape (FCT), Mararaba (Nasarawa State), and Abuja. The suspects, identified as Buhari Adamu (25) and Abubakar Saidu (28), are believed to have played active roles in several violent attacks, kidnappings, and murders within the FCT–Nasarawa axis.

Preliminary investigations linked the syndicate to the deadly attack carried out on 16th May 2026 at Gbagalape Community, a border settlement between the FCT and Nasarawa State, during which several residents were abducted, while others were killed or sustained gunshot injuries. The operation also led to the murder of multiple victims after ransom demands were made.

Following the arrests, operatives stormed the gang’s hideout at Gbagalape Hills, where one AK-47 rifle, twenty-two (22) rounds of 7.62mm live ammunition, fourteen (14) cows, and three (3) sheep suspected to be proceeds of criminal activities were recovered.

The suspects have made statements aiding ongoing investigations, while efforts are ongoing to apprehend other fleeing members of the criminal gang.

The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, psc(+), NPM, has reaffirmed the Nigeria Police Force’s commitment to intensifying intelligence-led operations against violent criminal networks across the country. He commended the operatives of the FID-STS for their professionalism and resilience and urged members of the public to continue supporting the Police with timely and credible information capable of aiding crime prevention and detection.