Police save 29 kidnap victims and arrest 34 foreigners in Benue

The Benue State Police Command has reported that they rescued 29 kidnap victims in October across the state.

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

He explained that the rescue efforts were successful due to teamwork with other agencies in the state.

The Commissioner also mentioned that 34 foreign nationals were arrested this month for suspicious activities.

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

"Preliminary information showed that they could not show the necessary travel documents at the time of their arrest.

"They are suspected of engaging in secret activities and serious crimes. They were taken into custody for investigation and to check their immigration status, and the right authorities will be contacted as needed."

On 22nd October 2026, police stopped 18 Nigerien nationals at Orokam as they were reportedly on their way to Ikom in Cross River State.

The police transferred them to the State Criminal Investigation Department for further investigation after concerns arose about how they entered the country and their unclear reasons for traveling.

The police commissioner said the Command is working to find out more facts and will involve the Nigeria Immigration Service for proper profiling and any necessary legal actions.

In separate operations, the police also arrested suspected cultists in Naka, Makurdi, and Aliade of Gwer West, Makurdi, and Gwer East.

The police commissioner listed items seized during the operations this month, including seven locally made guns, 16 rounds of ammunition and cartridges, charms, mobile phones, and ATM cards.