Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
The Benue State Police Command has confirmed the interception and profiling of seven Pakistani nationals at a hotel in Otukpo, the administrative headquarters of Otukpo Local Government Area, in what authorities have described as a routine but necessary verification exercise. Benue State Commissioner of Police, CP Cletus Nwadiogbu, said the seven foreign nationals were found at the hotel and are currently being investigated by the State Criminal Investigation Department.
According to the police commissioner, the seven Pakistani nationals hold what appear to be valid travel documents and have claimed that they are in Nigeria to conduct a market survey for an electronics business. However, CP Nwadiogbu stated that the State CID is actively verifying their backgrounds and the veracity of their claims. The development has raised concerns about the presence of foreign nationals in the state, particularly given the recent discovery of 15 alien nationals in a secret apartment in Otukpo in June 2026.
The interception comes amid a broader security sweep across Benue State, which has seen the arrest of dozens of suspects and the recovery of weapons in various local government areas. Between June and July 2026, the police conducted operations in Ohimini, Katsina-Ala, Logo, Makurdi, Gboko and Ukum local government areas, leading to arrests for reprisal killings, armed robbery, cultism and arson. Four AK-47 rifles, six pistols and ammunition were recovered during the operations.
CP Nwadiogbu reiterated the command's call for residents to remain vigilant and cooperate with security agencies, emphasising that timely intelligence remains the strongest weapon against cross-border criminality. The Benue State Police Command has not yet disclosed the identities of the seven Pakistani nationals or whether they will be handed over to immigration authorities for further questioning. Investigations are ongoing.
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