The Benue State Police Command has reported significant successes in its security operations across the state in October. According to Commissioner of Police, Cletus Nwadiogbu, 29 kidnapped victims were rescued and 34 foreign nationals were arrested during the month. Nwadiogbu attributed the successes to intelligence-driven operations and cooperation among security agencies, community security groups, and local hunters. The police command's operational report was presented to journalists at the police headquarters in Makurdi.
On October 5, four passengers abducted by gunmen who attacked a commercial vehicle along the Uzer village axis of Ayilamo-Tse-Abi Road in Logo Local Government Area were rescued. The rescue operation involved the police, Operation Whirl Stroke, Benue State Civil Protection Guards, and local hunters. This was one of several successful operations conducted by the police command in October. The rescued victims were handed over to their families after undergoing medical checks.
Further rescue operations were conducted on October 7, when 17 farmers abducted from Tse-Acha and Tse-Wuam communities in Bamun village, Tombo District, Logo LGA, were rescued. Additionally, on October 13, eight other victims, including a Catholic priest, regained their freedom following their abduction along Ugbokolo-Ajegbe-Awume Road in Ohimini Local Government Area. These rescues brought relief to the families of the victims and demonstrated the police command's commitment to tackling kidnapping and other crimes.
In addition to the rescue operations, the police command arrested 34 foreign nationals in two separate operations during the month. On October 9, 16 Cameroonian nationals were apprehended in Otukpo Local Government Area for allegedly failing to present the necessary travel documents. The suspects were taken into custody for investigation and verification of their immigration status. The Nigeria Immigration Service and other relevant authorities would be involved in the process to determine the circumstances surrounding their entry into the country and movements within Nigeria.
Another operation on October 22 resulted in the interception of 18 Nigerien nationals at Orokam while they were reportedly traveling to Ikom in Cross River State. The suspects were arrested for investigation and verification of their immigration status. The police command's efforts to curb illegal immigration and other crimes were ongoing, with investigations into the cases still underway.
The police command also made significant arrests in separate operations targeting suspected cultists and other alleged offenders in Naka, Makurdi, Aliade, and Gwer East. Items recovered during the operations included seven locally made firearms, 16 rounds of ammunition and cartridges, charms, mobile phones, and ATM cards. A suspected bandit was killed during a gun battle involving Operation Zenda operatives along Amaafu-Abaji Road in Katsina-Ala Local Government Area on October 2.
Commissioner Nwadiogbu urged residents to provide security agencies with credible information that could assist in tackling criminal activities across the state. He stressed that public cooperation remained crucial to preventing crime and safeguarding lives and property. The police command's efforts to maintain security and order in Benue State were ongoing, with a focus on intelligence-driven operations and community engagement.
Key points
- 29 kidnapped victims were rescued in October.
- 34 foreign nationals were arrested for immigration offenses.
- The police command's successes were attributed to intelligence-driven operations and cooperation among security agencies.
