Police rescue 29 kidnap victims, arrest 34 foreigners in Benue

The Benue State Police Command has said that a total of 29 kidnap victims were rescued within the month of October across the state.

The State Commissioner of Police, Cletus Nwadiogbu, stated this at a press conference held at the command headquarters in Makurdi on Tuesday.

He stated that the rescue of the kidnap victims was made possible with the collaboration of other sister agencies across the state.

The CP further said that 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 state police boss said that 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.