The Benue State Police Command has recorded major operational breakthroughs in the fight against kidnapping, armed banditry, firearms trafficking, vehicle theft and other criminal activities across the state.
Commissioner of Police (CP) in charge of the Command, CP Cletus C.N. Nwadiogbu, disclosed this on Tuesday, September 8, at a press briefing held at the Command Headquarters in Makurdi, where he presented the Command’s operational scorecard.
According to CP Nwadiogbu, police operations within the period under review resulted in the rescue of 18 kidnapped victims, the arrest of 20 suspects and the neutralisation of three armed suspects.
The Command also recovered three AK-47 rifles, one locally fabricated Type 06 rifle, several locally fabricated pistols and revolvers, 33 rounds of ammunition, two motorcycles, a Toyota Corolla and suspected criminal charms.
Nwadiogbu attributed the achievements to intelligence-led policing, the commitment of police personnel, collaboration with sister security agencies and the cooperation of residents.
One of the breakthroughs, he said, was the rescue of 13 kidnapped victims in Amla-Icho Forest following the abduction of travellers along the Otukpo–Adoka Road on August 14, 2026.
He said tactical teams deployed to the area came under attack from suspected armed bandits on August 16, resulting in the neutralisation of one suspect and the recovery of an AK-47 rifle and ammunition.
The Commissioner said sustained operations based on credible intelligence later took the police to the forest at night, forcing the suspects to flee and abandon the victims, who were rescued and taken for medical attention.
CP Nwadiogbu said the Command also recorded significant successes against armed bandits in Logo Local Government Area.
He disclosed that tactical teams responding to attacks at Tse-Udi community and the Ayilamo axis on August 11 neutralised two armed suspects and recovered two AK-47 rifles and ammunition.
He added that on August 26, police operatives responding to reports of armed bandits pursuing farmers and destroying crops in the Ayilamo axis neutralised another suspect and recovered an AK-47 rifle and ammunition.
In Gwer East Local Government Area, police also foiled an armed robbery attempt at Ayati village on August 9, forcing the suspects to flee and abandon a locally fabricated revolver and live cartridges.
The Commissioner further disclosed that the Command had recovered a one-day-old baby allegedly stolen shortly after delivery in Gboko.
“Through intelligence and sustained investigative efforts, eleven suspects were arrested, and the one-day-old baby was successfully recovered,” he said.
CP Nwadiogbu also announced the dismantling of a suspected vehicle and motorcycle theft syndicate operating within and outside Benue State.
He said the breakthrough followed a petition concerning a motorcycle allegedly obtained under false pretences in Gboko.
The investigation, he said, exposed a syndicate allegedly involved in stealing and disposing of motorcycles and vehicles.
The investigation later led detectives to Dan-Anacha in Gassol Local Government Area of Taraba State, where they arrested an accomplice and three other suspects.
The operation led to the recovery of two red Bajaj motorcycles and a Toyota Corolla.
According to the Commissioner, the Command had also intensified its campaign against the unlawful possession, movement and use of firearms.
He disclosed that several suspects were arrested in different parts of the state. At the same time, locally fabricated firearms and ammunition were recovered in Vandeikya, Gwer West, Apa and Makurdi Local Government Areas.
Recovered weapons included locally fabricated revolver pistols, pistols and a Type 06 rifle, as well as ammunition and suspected criminal charms.
CP Nwadiogbu warned individuals and groups involved in the illegal manufacture, trafficking and possession of firearms that Benue would not provide a haven for criminal activities.
He further disclosed the arrest of a final-year student of Moses Orshio Adasu University over the alleged assault of her younger sister, a 200-level student of the same institution.
CP Nwadiogbu said the suspect allegedly boiled water mixed with other substances and poured it on her younger sister before locking her inside a room and leaving her there.
According to him, the suspect had been squatting with her younger sister while preparing to graduate from the university.
The CP cautioned youths and other residents against taking the law into their own hands, urging them to use lawful channels to resolve disputes and grievances.
He warned that resorting to violence or self-help could escalate conflicts and expose perpetrators to criminal prosecution.
CP Nwadiogbu commended the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, for his strategic leadership and support in strengthening the Benue Command’s operational capacity.
He also appreciated the Benue State Governor, Rev. Fr. Dr. Hyacinth Iormem Alia, for his continued support and commitment to peace and security in the state.
The Commissioner equally commended other security agencies, traditional and community leaders, youths, stakeholders and members of the public for providing useful information and supporting security operations.
He assured residents that the Command would continue to deploy intelligence, strengthen its operations, collaborate with other security agencies and pursue criminal elements across the state.
“Security remains a collective responsibility,” the CP said, assuring residents that the Command would continue to discharge its constitutional responsibilities professionally, lawfully and decisively.
