Police rescue 29 kidnap victims, arrest 34 foreigners in Benue – Official

In Benue State, the police have apprehended 34 foreign nationals for alleged clandestine activities in two Local Government Areas. CP Cletus Nwadiogbu, the State Commissioner of Police, made this announcement on Tuesday during a press conference at the Command Headquarters in Makurdi. The arrested individuals, 16 Cameroonians and 18 Nigerians, are said to be raising security concerns due to their movements in the region.

Nwadiogbu expressed his concern over the growing attraction of Otukpo to foreign nationals, stating that the town has become a place where they like to go and hibernate. The arrested Cameroonians claimed they were settling in Otukpo but could not provide clear explanations for their purpose. Likewise, the 18 Nigerians intercepted at Orokam in Ogbadigbo LGA said they were traveling to Ikom in Cross River State but failed to present the necessary travel documents.

The suspects are currently undergoing investigation to establish their immigration status and the circumstances surrounding their entry into Nigeria. Following the completion of the investigation, the suspects will be handed over to the Nigeria Immigration Service. Furthermore, Nwadiogbu mentioned that some Pakistani nationals were also recently arrested in Otukpo, adding to the growing number of foreign nationals whose movements have attracted security attention in the area.