Nigeria, Feb. 15 -- Relief swept through Benue like the first rain after a long drought as police confirmed the safe return of nine Catholic faithful abducted during a night vigil in Ado Local Government Area.

The worshippers, taken from St. John Catholic Church, Ojeji, on February 8 while deep in prayer, have now regained their freedom-unhurt and without conditions attached.

Spokesperson of the Benue State Police Command, DSP Edet Udeme, broke the news on Sunday in Makurdi, declaring that all nine victims were released safely and unconditionally.

The breakthrough did not fall from the sky. It came on the heels of swift police action. On February 11, operatives acting on credible intelligence swooped in and arrested two suspects-Abubak...