A fresh security scare has emerged in Plateau State following the arrest of a clergyman and two serving military personnel over an alleged conspiracy to kidnap the wives of two respected Christian leaders in Jos.

The suspects were apprehended by security operatives after intelligence reports uncovered what authorities believe was a planned abduction targeting the spouses of Bishop Ephraim Gongden and retired Bishop Benjamin Kwashi, both prominent figures within Nigeria’s Christian community.

Sources familiar with the investigation disclosed that the arrests were carried out on August 7 after operatives of the Vigilance and Criminal Response Unit acted on credible intelligence indicating that a kidnapping operation was being planned in the Rantya area of Jos South Local Government Area, where the intended victims reportedly reside.

Among those arrested is Reverend Hassan Yunisim Mijah, a 42-year-old cleric from Tudun Wada in Jos North. The two other suspects are serving military personnel identified as Sergeant Ezra Sunday of the Nigerian Air Force and Ordinary Seaman Usman Khalid of the Nigerian Navy.

Investigators said both military officers were attached to Sector One of Operation Enduring Peace, a security outfit tasked with maintaining peace and stability in Plateau State and surrounding areas.

Preliminary findings suggest that the suspects allegedly coordinated plans to abduct the bishops’ wives, raising concerns over the involvement of security personnel in criminal activities. Their arrest came before the alleged plan could be executed, according to security sources.

During interrogation, the suspects were reported to have made statements that investigators are currently analysing as part of efforts to unravel the full extent of the alleged conspiracy. Security officials are also examining whether the plot involved additional collaborators or formed part of a wider criminal network.

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The arrest of the two military personnel has reportedly been communicated to the leadership of Operation Enduring Peace, which is expected to cooperate with ongoing investigations.

The development has generated concern within both security and religious circles, given the status of the intended targets and the alleged involvement of individuals entrusted with public safety.

Authorities have maintained that investigations remain active and that all leads are being pursued to determine the motive behind the alleged kidnapping plan and identify any other persons connected to it.

Meanwhile, attempts to obtain official confirmation from the Plateau State Police Command were unsuccessful at the time of filing this report. The Police Public Relations Officer, Alfred Alabo, briefly responded to inquiries but did not provide comments on the matter. A follow-up message seeking clarification was yet to receive a response as of press time.

The case is expected to attract significant public attention as investigators continue to piece together details surrounding the alleged plot and its potential implications for security in the state.