Benue Police Arrest 34 Suspected Foreign Nationals, Rescue 29 Kidnap Victims

The Benue State Police Command has arrested 34 suspected illegal foreign nationals, rescued 29 kidnapped victims and recovered seven locally fabricated firearms in separate operations across the state in October 2026.

The Commissioner of Police, Cletus Nwadiogbu, disclosed this on Tuesday while briefing journalists on the security situation and operational achievements recorded by the command during the month.

He said the achievements reflected the importance of intelligence-led policing, prompt response to distress calls, sustained patrols and collaboration with other security agencies and community stakeholders.

Nwadiogbu explained that the command had also recorded cases involving foreign nationals whose circumstances of entry into and movement within Nigeria required further investigation.

He said that on October 9, 2026, police operatives arrested 16 Cameroonian nationals in Otukpo Local Government Area after preliminary information indicated that they could not produce the required travel documents at the time of their arrest.

According to the commissioner, the suspects were taken into custody for investigation and verification of their immigration status.

He said the police suspected that the individuals might be involved in clandestine activities and serious crimes, adding that the investigation would establish the facts surrounding their presence in the country.

“During the period under review, the command also recorded cases involving foreign nationals whose circumstances of entry into and movement within the country required further investigation,” he said.

Nwadiogbu said the second incident occurred on October 22, when police operatives intercepted 18 Nigerien nationals at Orokam while they were reportedly travelling to Ikom in Cross River State.

He explained that the individuals were transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department for further investigation after concerns were raised about their circumstances of entry into Nigeria and their inability to provide satisfactory explanations about their journey.

The commissioner said the command was working to establish the relevant facts and would involve the appropriate authorities, including the Nigeria Immigration Service, to determine the suspects’ immigration status and any further action required under the law.

He stressed that investigations into both cases were ongoing and that the police would act in accordance with the findings and applicable legal procedures.

The command also reported a case of alleged severe physical abuse involving two children in Injorov Village, Turan, in Kwande Local Government Area.

Nwadiogbu said the Jato-Aka Police Division received a report on October 5 concerning the incident, which reportedly arose from an allegation involving ₦14,500.

According to him, one of the children died from the incident, while the other survived.

He said police operatives commenced an investigation and arrested a suspect identified as Hemen Wuese.

The commissioner added that the body of the deceased child had been deposited for an autopsy, while the surviving child was rescued and reported to be in stable condition.

He said the investigation was ongoing to establish the full circumstances surrounding the incident.

The police command reiterated its commitment to addressing security threats in the state through intelligence gathering, prompt intervention, investigations and cooperation with relevant authorities and local communities.

The command said investigations into the cases involving the foreign nationals and the alleged abuse of the children were continuing.