By Kazeem Waris
The Benue State Police Command has arrested a 60-year-old man over the alleged defilement of a 10-year-old girl in Ado Local Government Area, LGA, rescued 29 kidnap victims and arrested 34 foreign nationals in separate security operations in October.
The Commissioner of Police, Cletus Nwadiogbu, disclosed this on Tuesday while briefing journalists on the command’s security operations and achievements during the month.
He said the alleged defilement was reported on October 13 in Igumale, Ado LGA, leading to the suspect’s arrest, while the victim was taken for medical examination and treatment.
“The Command recorded an arrest in an alleged defilement case reported on 13th October 2026 in Igumale, Ado Local Government Area, involving a 10-year-old girl.
“A 60-year-old suspect was arrested, while the victim was taken for medical examination and necessary treatment. Investigation is ongoing, and the Command will ensure that the matter is handled in accordance with the law, with the privacy and welfare of the victim protected,” Nwadiogbu said.
On kidnapping, the police commissioner said 29 victims were rescued through intelligence-led operations involving security agencies and community-based security groups.
He said four passengers abducted after a commercial vehicle was attacked along the Uzer Village axis of Ayilamo-Tse-Abi Road in Logo LGA on October 5 were rescued in a joint operation involving the police, Operation Whirl Stroke, Benue State Civil Protection Guards and local hunters.
Nwadiogbu added that 17 farmers abducted from Tse-Acha and Tse-Wuam communities in Bamun Village, Tombo District, Logo LGA, were rescued on October 7.
Eight other victims, including a Reverend Father, were rescued in Ohimini LGA after being abducted along the Ugbokolo-Ajegbe-Awume Road on October 13, he said.
The commissioner also disclosed that 34 foreign nationals were arrested in separate operations, comprising 16 Cameroonians apprehended in Otukpo LGA on October 9 and 18 Nigeriens intercepted at Orokam on October 22.
He said investigations were ongoing to establish their immigration status and the circumstances of their movement.
The command also arrested suspects in operations targeting cultism, unlawful possession of firearms and violent crimes, recovering seven locally fabricated firearms and 16 rounds of ammunition and cartridges during the period.
Nwadiogbu further said a suspected bandit was neutralised during an encounter involving personnel of Operation Zenda Joint Task Force along Amaafu-Abaji Road in Katsina-Ala LGA on October 2. A locally fabricated firearm was recovered.
He urged residents to remain vigilant and provide credible information to security agencies, stressing that public cooperation was essential to preventing crime and protecting lives and property.
The commissioner thanked the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, and Benue State Governor, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia, for their support, while commending other security agencies, community leaders, local vigilantes and members of the public for their contributions to maintaining peace and security in the state.
