The Benue State Police Command has arrested 34 foreign nationals and rescued 29 kidnapped victims in separate operations across the state in October.
The suspects comprise 16 Cameroonians arrested in Otukpo for allegedly failing to produce valid travel documents and 18 Nigeriens apprehended in Orakam while reportedly travelling to Ikom, Cross River State.
The Commissioner of Police, Cletus Nwadiaogbu, disclosed this while briefing journalists on the command’s operational achievements at its headquarters in Makurdi.
He said the suspects were being investigated by the State Criminal Investigation Department to establish the circumstances surrounding their activities.
Nwadiaogbu added that the foreign nationals would be handed over to the appropriate authorities to verify their immigration status and determine further action after the investigation.
The commissioner also said 29 kidnapped victims had been rescued from their abductors through operations involving the police, the Benue Civil Protection Guard and local vigilantes at different locations across the state.
He stressed the importance of prompt responses to distress calls, intelligence sharing and cooperation among security agencies in tackling criminal activities.
The command also arrested some young men over alleged cult-related activities and recovered locally fabricated firearms and parts in operations targeting cultism, illegal possession of firearms and other offences.
Nwadiaogbu warned youths against cultism and violent crimes, adding that suspects would be charged to court for prosecution.
He urged members of the public to provide credible information to the police to help prevent crime and improve security across the state
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