On Tuesday, Benue State Police announced the detention of 34 foreign nationals—16 Cameroonians and 18 Nigeriens—who were suspected of carrying out covert activities in Otukpo and Ogbadigbo local government areas, and said they would be transferred to the Nigeria Immigration Service after investigation.
Which nationalities were arrested?
The operation resulted in the arrest of 16 Cameroonian men in Otukpo town of Otukpo LGA and 18 Nigerian men in Orokam community of Ogbadigbo LGA. The police disclosed that the Cameroonians were picked up on October 9, while the Nigerians were intercepted on October 22.
When did the arrests occur?
The two separate raids were carried out on different dates: the Cameroonian suspects were detained on 9 October, and the Nigerian suspects were seized on 22 October. Both incidents were presented to the public during a parade of detainees at the police command headquarters in Makurdi.
What did the suspects claim?
According to State Commissioner of Police Cletus Nwadiogbu, the Cameroonians asserted they had come to Otukpo to settle there, but they were unable to give a clear explanation of their purpose. The Nigerians claimed they were travelling to Ikom in Cross River State, yet they could not produce the required travel documents to substantiate the journey.
What did the police say about the location?
Commissioner Nwadiogbu warned that Otukpo appears to be attracting foreign individuals who prefer to “hibernate” there, suggesting an unidentified factor is drawing them to the area. He added that the recent arrest of some Pakistani nationals in the same town further underscores the growing security concerns linked to foreign presence.
What are the next steps?
The detained individuals are currently under investigation to determine their immigration status and the circumstances of their entry into Nigeria. Upon completion of the probe, the police intend to hand the suspects over to the Nigeria Immigration Service for further processing.
The commissioner emphasized that the authorities will continue to monitor and act against any foreign nationals whose activities pose a threat to security in Benue State.