…Warns youths, residents against taking laws into their hands
By Terdue Atondu, Makurdi
The Benue State Police Command has paraded its operational scorecard, highlighting major breakthroughs recorded in the fight against kidnapping, armed banditry, firearms trafficking, vehicle theft and other forms of criminality across the state.
The Commissioner of Police, CP Cletus C.N. Nwadiogbu, disclosed this on Tuesday during a press briefing at the Command Headquarters in Makurdi.
According to him, operations conducted within the period under review led to the rescue of 18 kidnapped victims, arrest of 20 suspects and 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.
CP Nwadiogbu said the achievements were products of intelligence-led policing, the commitment of police personnel, collaboration with other security agencies and the support of residents.
He said one of the major breakthroughs was the rescue of 13 kidnapped victims in the Amla-Icho Forest following the abduction of travellers along the Otukpo–Adoka Road on August 14, 2026.
He explained that tactical teams deployed to the area came under attack by suspected armed bandits on August 16, leading to the neutralisation of one suspect and recovery of an AK-47 rifle and ammunition.
According to him, sustained operations based on credible intelligence later led the police to the forest at night, forcing the suspects to flee and abandon the 13 victims, who were rescued and taken for medical attention.
The Commissioner said the Command also recorded breakthroughs 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 with ammunition.
He added that on August 26, police operatives responded to reports of armed bandits pursuing farmers and destroying crops in the Ayilamo axis, resulting in the neutralisation of another suspect and recovery of an AK-47 rifle and ammunition.
In Gwer East Local Government Area, police operatives 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.
Police Recover Stolen Newborn Baby
The Commissioner further disclosed that the Command recovered a one-day-old baby allegedly stolen shortly after delivery in Gboko.
He said the police received information about the incident on August 12 and immediately commenced investigation.
“Through intelligence and sustained investigative efforts, eleven suspects were arrested and the one-day-old baby was successfully recovered,” he said.
The suspects, according to him, would be charged to court after the conclusion of investigations.
Police Smash Vehicle Theft Syndicate
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.
Detectives attached to the Command Monitoring Unit commenced an intelligence-led investigation, including advanced tracking, which led to the arrest of the principal suspect.
Further investigation, he said, exposed the activities of a syndicate involved in the theft and disposal of motorcycles and vehicles.
The investigation subsequently took detectives to Dan-Anacha in Gassol Local Government Area of Taraba State, where an accomplice and three other suspects were arrested.
The operation resulted in the recovery of two red Bajaj motorcycles and one Toyota Corolla.
The five suspects, the CP said, would be charged to court, while efforts were ongoing to apprehend other members of the syndicate.
Police Intensify Fight Against Illegal Firearms
The Commissioner said the Command had also intensified operations against the unlawful possession, movement and use of firearms.
He disclosed that several suspects were arrested in different parts of the state, while 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, alongside ammunition and suspected criminal charms.
CP Nwadiogbu warned individuals and groups involved in the illegal manufacture, trafficking and possession of firearms that Benue State would not provide a safe haven for criminal activities.
CP Cautions Residents Against Jungle Justice
The Police Commissioner also disclosed the arrest of a final-year student of Moses Orshio Adasu University, whose name was withheld, for allegedly attacking her younger sister, a 200-level student of the same institution, following a misunderstanding.
According to him, 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.
He said 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 seek lawful channels whenever disputes or grievances arise.
He stressed that resorting to violence or self-help could worsen situations and expose perpetrators to criminal prosecution.
CP Nwadiogbu expressed appreciation to the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, for his strategic leadership and support in strengthening the operational capacity of the Benue Command.
He also commended 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 appreciated other security agencies, traditional and community leaders, youths, stakeholders and members of the public for providing information and supporting security operations.
He assured residents that the Command would continue to deploy intelligence, strengthen operations, collaborate with other security agencies and pursue criminal elements across the state.
He called on residents to remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious persons, movements and activities in their communities.
“Security remains a collective responsibility,” the CP said, assuring residents that the Command would continue to discharge its constitutional responsibilities professionally, lawfully and decisively.
