The Benue State Police Command has arrested 176 suspects for various criminal offences committed in the month of July.
The Commissioner of Police, Mr. Ifeanyi Emenari, made this known during a press briefing on Wednesday in Makurdi.
Emenari disclosed that the suspects were arrested for crimes ranging from cultism, armed robbery, banditry, theft, to culpable homicide.
“Out of the 176 suspects, 22 were arrested for cult-related activities, while 26 were apprehended for armed robbery. Others were arrested for various offences,” he said.
During the same period, the command recovered 30 different types of arms, 4,000 rounds of ammunition, eight motorcycles, one tricycle, and two vehicles from criminal suspects.
According to Emenari, some of the recovered weapons included:
Four rocket launchers
Twelve AK-47 rifles
Eleven locally made pistols
Four locally fabricated rifles
The CP noted that the command, working in synergy with other security agencies, has successfully dismantled all known bandit camps across the state.
“Following these operations, many internally displaced persons have now returned to their ancestral homes and farms, particularly in areas previously affected by banditry,” he added.
Emenari warned that criminals disguising as bandits to commit crimes would be tracked down and prosecuted, assuring residents that no one will be spared.
To reinforce security efforts, he announced the relocation of the Area Commander from Otukpo to Agatu, with a directive to apprehend all criminals operating in the axis.
He further disclosed that ongoing raids and operations in the Sankara axis had led to the repelling of many bandits, with some neutralised during confrontations with security forces.
“Unfortunately, we lost some brave officers during these operations. We extend our heartfelt condolences to their families. Their sacrifice will not be in vain,” he said.
The Commissioner reaffirmed the command’s commitment to protecting lives and property in Benue State.
“In July, we achieved a significant reduction in crime. Our proactive measures included planned operations in the hinterlands, urban patrols, intelligence gathering, raids on criminal hideouts, and stop-and-search operations across strategic locations,” Emenari said.
He urged residents to continue supporting the police with timely and credible information, assuring that Benue will not be left in the hands of criminals under his leadership.
