Benue: IGP declares war on killers, armed criminals, orders 14-day crackdown

Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, has announced a 14-day special security operation aimed at dismantling criminal networks responsible for killings, kidnappings and other violent crimes across Benue State.

Speaking at a town hall meeting with stakeholders in Makurdi on Thursday, the IGP described the security situation in the state as alarming, saying the persistent attacks had continued to cause fear among residents and posed a major challenge to security agencies.

Disu revealed that President Bola Tinubu had directed all security agencies to bring an end to the recurring violence and restore lasting peace in the state.

“The insecurity in Benue is unacceptable. It has become a source of sleepless nights for the people and security agencies. Mr. President has made it clear that this situation will no longer be tolerated,” he said.

According to the police chief, the operation will focus on armed criminal herders, kidnappers, bandits, cult groups and other violent offenders responsible for attacks in different parts of Benue.

He also cautioned young people against allowing themselves to be used by politicians or other influential figures to carry out violent acts, particularly during elections, warning that security agencies would intensify efforts against the illegal possession of firearms.

Disu instructed police personnel to confront armed criminals in accordance with Force Order 237 and assured members of the public that allegations of misconduct against police officers would receive proper investigation.

The IGP appealed to traditional rulers, religious leaders and residents to cooperate with security agencies by providing credible intelligence, adding that he would continue visiting Benue until normalcy is fully restored.

Also addressing the gathering, the Assistant Inspector-General of Police in charge of the Police Mobile Force, Francis Iduh, disclosed that security operatives had mapped out 14 key flashpoints for the operation.

He listed Bajimba, Arufu, Agasha, Kwande, Agatu, Naka, Otukpo, Makurdi, Apa and several other vulnerable communities as areas where security forces would conduct clearance and stability operations to reclaim forests, farmlands and criminal hideouts.

Governor Hyacinth Alia welcomed the initiative, describing it as a timely intervention. He again advocated for the establishment of state police, maintaining that officers with knowledge of local communities and terrain would strengthen efforts to combat insecurity.

The Tor Tiv, Prof. James Ayatse, identified armed criminal herders, local armed gangs, communal clashes and cult groups as the major security threats confronting Benue. He urged security agencies to identify and prosecute individuals allegedly sponsoring the violence.

Participants at the meeting agreed that lasting peace in Benue would depend on stronger cooperation between security agencies and local communities through intelligence sharing and sustained security operations.