The Benue State Police Command has rescued 29 kidnap victims and arrested 48 suspects, including 34 foreign nationals, following a series of tactical security operations carried out across the state throughout October.
​The Commissioner of Police, CP Cletus Nwadiogbu, announced the operational breakthrough on Tuesday afternoon, October 27, 2026, during a press briefing at the Command Headquarters in Makurdi.
​CP Nwadiogbu revealed that security operatives executed intelligence-led operations aimed at dislodging criminal hideouts in key local government areas, resulting in the successful liberation of all 29 captives without casualties among the victims.
​The month-long crackdown also targeted illegal immigration and clandestine activities within the state. Operatives intercepted 16 Cameroonian nationals in the Otukpo Local Government Area on October 9, followed by the interception of 18 Nigerien nationals at Orokam on October 22 as they transited toward Ikom in Cross River State.
The 34 foreign suspects were handed over to the State Criminal Investigation Department for profiling and joint investigation with the Nigeria Immigration Service.
​In separate engagements, tactical teams neutralised one suspected bandit during a gun duel, while several suspected cultists were apprehended across Naka in Gwer West, Aliade in Gwer East, and the state capital, Makurdi.
​Command operatives recovered seven locally fabricated firearms, 16 rounds of live ammunition and cartridges, assorted charms, mobile phones, and stolen ATM cards during the operations.
​CP Nwadiogbu reaffirmed the command’s resolve to dismantle criminal networks in Benue State and urged residents to support law enforcement by reporting suspicious movements to security agencies.
