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From Scholastica Hir, Makurdi
The Benue State Police Command has arrested 34 foreign nationals, comprising 16 Cameroonians and 18 Nigeriens, over suspected clandestine activities and concerns surrounding their entry into and movement within the state.
The Commissioner of Police, CP Cletus Nwadiogbu, disclosed this while giving an account of the command’s activities at its premises in Makurdi on Tuesday.
Nwadiogbu explained that the arrests were made in separate operations in Otukpo Local Government Area and Orokam in Ogbadibo LGA of the state.
Nwadiogbu said 16 Cameroonian nationals were arrested by police operatives in Otukpo on 9 October 2026 after they allegedly failed to produce the required travel documents when apprehended.
He said the suspects were taken into custody for investigation and verification of their immigration status.
He also stated that the command was investigating them on allegations of involvement in clandestine activities and other serious crimes.
The police commissioner further disclosed that 18 Nigerien nationals were intercepted at Orokam on 22 October 2026 while reportedly travelling to Ikom in Cross River State.
According to him, the suspects were transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department for further investigation after concerns were raised about their circumstances of entry into Nigeria and their inability to provide satisfactory explanations about their journey.
He said the command was working to establish the facts surrounding both incidents and would involve the Nigeria Immigration Service and other relevant authorities to determine the appropriate action in accordance with the law.
Nwadiogbu emphasised that investigations into the cases were ongoing, noting that further action would depend on the findings of investigators and applicable legal procedures.
