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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 about their entry into Nigeria and movements within the country.
Commissioner of Police, Cletus Nwadiogbu, disclosed this while briefing journalists on the command’s activities in Makurdi on Tuesday. He said the suspects were arrested in separate operations in Otukpo and Orokam, Ogbadibo Local Government Area, following concerns about their travel documents and the circumstances surrounding their movements.
According to him, the 16 Cameroonians were arrested by police operatives in Otukpo on October 9 after they allegedly failed to produce the required travel documents.
Nwadiogbu said the suspects were taken into custody for investigation and verification of their immigration status. He added that the command was also investigating allegations of involvement in clandestine activities and other serious crimes.
He disclosed that the second operation took place on October 22 at Orokam, where 18 Nigerien nationals were intercepted while reportedly travelling to Ikom in Cross River State.
The police commissioner explained that concerns about the circumstances of their entry into Nigeria and their inability to provide satisfactory explanations for their journey prompted further investigation.
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He said the 18 suspects were subsequently transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department for detailed questioning and verification of their identities, travel arrangements and immigration status.
Nwadiogbu said the command was working to establish the circumstances surrounding both incidents, including the suspects’ reasons for entering Nigeria and their intended destinations.
He added that the Nigeria Immigration Service and other relevant authorities would be involved in determining the appropriate action in accordance with the law.
The commissioner maintained that investigations were ongoing and that decisions concerning the 34 foreign nationals would depend on the findings of investigators and applicable legal procedures.
As of the time of filing this report, the police had not disclosed evidence linking the suspects to specific criminal offences or announced any charges against them.
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