Benue Police rescue 29 abductees, arrest 34 foreigners

Police operatives rescued 29 kidnap victims in October, 2026 across Benue State.

Benue Police Commissioner, Cletus Nwadiogbu, stated this at a press conference at the command headquarters in Makurdi on Tuesday.

The CP further said 34 foreign nationals were also arrested within the month for clandestine activities.

He said: “On 9th October 2026, operatives of the Command arrested 16 Cameroonian nationals in Otukpo Local Government Area.

“Preliminary information indicated that the individuals could not produce the required travel documents at the time of their arrest.

“They are suspected of engaging in clandestine activities and heinous crimes, and were taken into custody for investigation and verification of their immigration status, with appropriate authorities to be engaged as necessary.

“Similarly, on 22nd October 2026, operatives intercepted 18 Nigerien nationals at Orokam while they were reportedly transiting to Ikom in Cross River State.

“They were transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department for further investigation after concerns were raised about their circumstances of entry into the country and their inability to provide satisfactory explanations regarding their journey.

The Police chief said the Command was already taking steps to establish the relevant facts and involve the appropriate authorities, including the Nigeria Immigration Service, for profiling and any further action required under the law.

The Police Commissioner further said that the command, in separate operations, arrested the suspected cultists in Naka, Makurdi and Aliade of Gwer West, Makurdi and Gwer East, respectively.

The Police Commissioner listed Items recovered from the operations within the month to include: seven locally fabricated firearms recovered, 16 ammunition and cartridges, charms, mobile phones and ATM cards.