The Benue State Police Command has arrested 34 suspected unlawful international nationals, rescued 29 kidnapped victims and recovered seven regionally fabricated firearms in separate operations throughout the state in October 2026.
The Commissioner of Police, Cletus Nwadiogbu, disclosed this on Tuesday whereas briefing journalists on the safety scenario and operational achievements recorded by the command in the course of the month.
He mentioned the achievements mirrored the significance of intelligence-led policing, immediate response to misery calls, sustained patrols and collaboration with different safety companies and neighborhood stakeholders.
Nwadiogbu defined that the command had additionally recorded circumstances involving international nationals whose circumstances of entry into and motion inside Nigeria required additional investigation.
He mentioned that on October 9, 2026, police operatives arrested 16 Cameroonian nationals in Otukpo Local Government Area after preliminary info indicated that they might not produce the required journey paperwork on the time of their arrest.
According to the commissioner, the suspects have been taken into custody for investigation and verification of their immigration standing.
He mentioned the police suspected that the people is perhaps concerned in clandestine actions and severe crimes, including that the investigation would set up the info surrounding their presence within the nation.
“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 mentioned.
Nwadiogbu mentioned the second incident occurred on October 22, when police operatives intercepted 18 Nigerien nationals at Orokam whereas they have been reportedly travelling to Ikom in Cross River State.
He defined that the people have been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department for additional investigation after issues have been raised about their circumstances of entry into Nigeria and their incapacity to supply passable explanations about their journey.
The commissioner mentioned the command was working to ascertain the related info and would contain the suitable authorities, together with the Nigeria (*34*) Service, to find out the suspects’ immigration standing and any additional motion required below the regulation.
He burdened that investigations into each circumstances have been ongoing and that the police would act in accordance with the findings and relevant authorized procedures.
The command additionally reported a case of alleged extreme bodily abuse involving two kids in Injorov Village, Turan, in Kwande Local Government Area.
Nwadiogbu mentioned the Jato-Aka Police Division acquired a report on October 5 in regards to the incident, which reportedly arose from an allegation involving ₦14,500.
According to him, one of many kids died from the incident, whereas the opposite survived.
He mentioned police operatives commenced an investigation and arrested a suspect recognized as Hemen Wuese.
The commissioner added that the physique of the deceased little one had been deposited for an post-mortem, whereas the surviving little one was rescued and reported to be in secure situation.
He mentioned the investigation was ongoing to ascertain the total circumstances surrounding the incident.
The police command reiterated its dedication to addressing safety threats within the state by intelligence gathering, immediate intervention, investigations and cooperation with related authorities and native communities.
The command mentioned investigations into the circumstances involving the international nationals and the alleged abuse of the kids have been persevering with.
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