By ZAGAZOLA MAKAMA

Security operatives in Benue have arrested seven foreign nationals suspected of involvement in local criminal activities in Imande-Agbatse, a border community between Nigeria and Cameroon.

Zagazola learnt that the suspects, all Cameroonians, were intercepted by youths of the community in the early hours of Monday and later handed over to security forces.

The arrested suspects were identified as Titakung Cyril Gadinga, Nuvi Clifford Babila, Foyabo Godwin Nuvi T, Doh Collins Dobgima, Basil Smith, Dama Kenneth Babila, and Dingana Emmanuel.

The youths who apprehended them accused the men of engaging in banditry and aiding criminal networks operating along the border axis.

They are currently in the custody of the State Police Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), where they are undergoing profiling and investigation.

Security sources say Benue remains relatively calm, even as investigations continue to determine the level of involvement of the suspects in cross-border criminal activities.

Further updates are expected as inquiries progress. (Zagazola, but headline rejigged)