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From Scholastica Hir, Makurdi
The new Commissioner of Police in Benue State, CP Cletus Nwadiogbu, on Friday, announced impressive figures on arrests saying the state command has taken the fight to criminals’ den to rid the state of sundry crimes.
According to him, between May and June 2026, the command has arrested 10 suspects, rescued eight kidnapped victims, neutralized three armed bandits, while 17 firearms and 36 rounds of ammunition recovered.
He said one of the suspects included a young woman who delivered twin babies and dumped them after two days.
The Commissioner spoke at his maiden briefing at the Benue State Police Command Headquarters in Makurdi, said that the briefing was part of their ongoing commitment to inform the public of their efforts to safeguarding lives and property across Benue State.
While stating that effective policing thrives on transparency, partnership, and timely information, the Commissioner said they have recorded breakthroughs, particularly in the fight against armed robbery,
kidnapping, cultism, gender-based violence, trafficking and other related crimes.
He explained that “On 22nd May 2026, at about 1147 hours, one Grace Hari, 22 resident of Kpankeke, Naka, Benue state reported that she and her sister were allegedly lured from Naka to Lagos state by one Ashide Nyityon, a 40-year-old female, resident of Tyo-Dam, Naka, Benue, under the false promise of securing employment for them; the suspect, rather than securing employment as promised, facilitated their movement to Ghana, where they were allegedly sold into prostitution to other suspects currently at large.
“The victims were allegedly subjected to sexual assault before they eventually escaped and returned to Naka.
“Upon receipt of the report, officers of the command promptly mobilised, traced and arrested the suspect who is currently
cooperating with the police on the possible apprehension of other suspects at large.
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“On 22nd May 2026, at about 1500 hours, the CP said one Chief Emmanuel Tyolumun Api, reported to the Police that two day-old infants were found abandoned at Branch Atser, Vandeikya. Upon receipt of the report, the infants were promptly rescued and taken to a hospital for urgent medical attention.
They were admitted into the Intensive Care Unit and placed under the care and supervision of the Social Welfare Unit, Vandeikya. Following diligent investigation and intelligence gathering, the Police operatives of the command swung into action and arrested the suspect alleged to have delivered and abandoned
the infants.” He said the suspect will be charged to court upon conclusion of investigation.
“On 25th May 2026, at about 0830 hours, following a distress call received by the Divisional Police Officer, Orokam Division that eight persons had been kidnapped by unknown armed men around Adupi, Orokam, in Ogbadibo Local Government Area of Benue state, the Commissioner of Police, Benue state Police Command, in response, promptly mobilised a combined team of Police tactical operatives, personnel of the Police MobileForce, and local vigilante members to the scene.
“While combing the surrounding bushes in search of the victims and the suspects, the operatives sighted the armed suspects. A gun duel ensued, during which the suspects were forced to flee abandoning the eight victims who were promptly rescued unharmed and without the payment of any ransom.
“During the operation, the operatives recovered one locally fabricated single-barrel gun and a military uniform suspected to have been abandoned by the fleeing criminals.” He said investigation is ongoing, while efforts have been intensified to trace and arrest the fleeing suspects.”
He also named arrest of armed robbery suspects, arrest of kidnap suspect, rape suspect, cultists as well as recovery firearm and ammunition while also foiled bandits operation in Gbeji, Ukum LGA.
According to the Commissioner, other items recovered include one military camouflage, one motorcycle, six charms and one short axe.
He said the breakthroughs reflect their resolve to deny criminals any space to operate in Benue State adding that the command remain firm in pursuing offenders and bringing them before the law.
While noting that security is a shared responsibility, Nwadiogbu urged residents to remain vigilant, cooperate with security agencies, and promptly provide credible information that can help prevent crime and protect lives.
He assured the public that the command will continue to act decisively, professionally, and within the law to keep the communities safe.
