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 (*34*) 2026.
The Commissioner of Police, Cletus Nwadiogbu, disclosed this on Tuesday whereas briefing journalists on the safety state of affairs and operational achievements recorded by the command through the month.
He stated the achievements mirrored the significance of intelligence-led policing, immediate response to misery calls, sustained patrols and collaboration with different safety companies and group 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 stated that on (*34*) 9, 2026, police operatives arrested 16 Cameroonian nationals in Otukpo Local Government Area after preliminary data indicated that they may not produce the required journey paperwork on the time of their arrest.
According to the commissioner, the suspects had been taken into custody for investigation and verification of their immigration standing.
He stated the police suspected that the people is perhaps concerned in clandestine actions and severe crimes, including that the investigation would set up the details 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 stated.
Nwadiogbu stated the second incident occurred on (*34*) 22, when police operatives intercepted 18 Nigerien nationals at Orokam whereas they had been reportedly travelling to Ikom in Cross River State.
He defined that the people had been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department for additional investigation after considerations had been raised about their circumstances of entry into Nigeria and their lack of ability to supply passable explanations about their journey.
The commissioner stated the command was working to determine the related details and would contain the suitable authorities, together with the Nigeria Immigration Service, to find out the suspects’ immigration standing and any additional motion required below the regulation.
He confused that investigations into each circumstances had 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 youngsters in Injorov Village, Turan, in Kwande Local Government Area.
Nwadiogbu stated the Jato-Aka Police (*29*) acquired a report on (*34*) 5 regarding the incident, which reportedly arose from an allegation involving ₦14,500.
According to him, one of many youngsters died from the incident, whereas the opposite survived.
He stated 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 steady situation.
He stated the investigation was ongoing to determine the total circumstances surrounding the incident.
The police command reiterated its dedication to addressing safety threats within the state via intelligence gathering, immediate intervention, investigations and cooperation with related authorities and native communities.
The command stated investigations into the circumstances involving the international nationals and the alleged abuse of the youngsters had been persevering with.
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