By Winnie Onu, Makurdi
The Benue State Police Command in its ongoing security operations have arrested 42 armed bandits and suspected herders linked to recent attacks and killings in several communities across the state.
Commissioner of Police, Ifeanyi Emenari, disclosed this on Wednesday night during his maiden press briefing held at the Police Officers’ Mess in Makurdi.
He said that 10 armed herders are currently in Correctional custody, remanded by the courts and awaiting trial, while many others remain under investigation.
The arrests, according to the CP, followed a strategic security operation launched immediately after he assumed duty on April 26, 2025.
“I initiated robust security measures across key flashpoints shortly after my arrival. We’ve taken the fight directly to those perpetrating violence in communities across the state,” he said.
Emenari listed some of the crisis-hit areas he visited, including Ankpali in Apa, Naka in Gwer West, Ayilamo in Logo, Amafu in Katsina-Ala, Ukum, Agatu, Udei, and Yogbo in Guma as he lamented the huge displacement and abandoned farmlands due to insecurity but expressed optimism that normalcy would soon return.
“Our tactical teams have been deployed across these flashpoints. We are combing affected areas to flush out criminal elements. Within the past month alone, we have arrested 42 armed suspects including armed herders and local bandits. Most have already been charged to court,” he said.
The police commissioner further disclosed that the Command recovered two AK-47 rifles and 21 locally fabricated firearms during the operations, adding that renewed offensives have also curbed cult-related violence and reduced cases of kidnapping, especially along the Makurdi–Lafia highway.
“We’ve significantly reduced criminal activity along that corridor. Some of the notorious kidnappers are already in custody,” he noted.
As part of new response protocols, Emenari said the police now aim to respond to distress calls within 30 minutes, depending on the location.
The CP assured residents of the command’s commitment to restoring peace and security throughout the state and urged communities both rural and urban to cooperate with security agencies.
He commended Governor Hyacinth Alia for his unwavering support, stating that the governor’s commitment to restoring peace, enabling farming, and ensuring safe return of displaced persons aligns with the police’s mission.
“All the governor wants is to see farmers return to their farms and citizens safely go about their lawful activities. With his support, we will achieve that,” Emenari affirmed.
