FIC REPORT (BENUE STATE) – Benue State Police Command has rescued 29 kidnapped victims, apprehended 34 foreign nationals suspected of illegal entry and clandestine activities, and arrested 14 other suspects in separate security operations across the state.
The Commissioner of Police, CP Cletus C. N. Nwadiogbu, disclosed this during a press briefing on the security situation and operational achievements of the Command on Tuesday, October 27, 2026, at the Headquarters in Makurdi.
CP Nwadiogbu explained that the achievements resulted from intelligence-led operations, proactive patrols and collaboration with other security agencies, local vigilantes and community stakeholders.
According to him, the Command rescued four kidnapped passengers along the Ayilamo–Tse-Abi Road in Logo Local Government Area on October 5, while 17 farmers were rescued from Tse-Acha and Tse-Wuam communities on October 7.
He further disclosed that eight kidnapped victims, including a Reverend Father, were rescued in Ohimini Local Government Area following an attack along the Ugbokolo–Ajegbe–Awume Road on October 13.
On the arrest of foreign nationals, the Commissioner revealed that 16 Cameroonians were apprehended in Otukpo on October 9, while 18 Nigerien nationals were intercepted at Orokam on October 22 over concerns surrounding their immigration status and movements.
He said investigations were ongoing in collaboration with relevant authorities, including the Nigeria Immigration Service.
The Police Commissioner also announced the recovery of seven locally fabricated firearms and 16 rounds of ammunition and cartridges, while one suspected bandit was neutralised during an encounter with security operatives in Katsina-Ala Local Government Area.
He added that the Command recorded arrests in connection with suspected cult activities, homicide, child abuse and alleged defilement, assuring residents that investigations would be conducted in accordance with the law.
CP Nwadiogbu commended the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, and Governor Hyacinth Iormem Alia for their continued support towards strengthening security operations in the state.
He reaffirmed the Command’s commitment to protecting lives and property and urged residents to remain vigilant, provide credible intelligence and cooperate with security agencies to sustain peace and security across Benue State.
VERONICA AZEMBA
For Head of Center FIC Makurdi
