23/07/2026
Today, I welcomed the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, and his delegation to Benue State for an operational assessment visit and a strategic town hall engagement on security.
The security of our people remains my administration’s highest priority. We will continue to work hand in hand with the Nigeria Police Force, the Armed Forces, other security agencies, our traditional institutions and community leaders to ensure that every part of Benue is safe for our people to live, farm and prosper.
I made it clear once again that the time has come to move beyond debates about whether Nigeria needs State Police. The real conversation should now be how to make it operational. Security is most effective when those protecting our communities understand the people, the terrain and the local realities.
Benue has remained steadfast in supporting security agencies with operational vehicles, motorcycles, communication equipment and other logistics. We are also strengthening intelligence sharing, inter-agency collaboration and coordinated operations to confront terrorism and criminal elements.
I appreciate President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for the Federal Government’s continued support in addressing security challenges across our state. I also commend the Inspector-General of Police and the Benue State Commissioner of Police for deepening community policing and youth engagement as vital tools for sustainable peace.
I have assured the Inspector-General of Benue State’s full support for the proposed 14-day security sweep across the state. Together, we will continue to deny criminals any safe haven.
I also reaffirm my commitment to ensuring that all internally displaced persons return safely to their ancestral homes. It is encouraging that many of our people have already returned to their communities to farm this season, and our administration will continue to support them with farm inputs and every necessary security measure.
To every Benue son and daughter, I urge you to continue supporting our security agencies with credible information. Security is a shared responsibility, and together, we will reclaim every inch of our land.
We will not relent until every family can sleep in peace, every farmer can return to the fields without fear, and Benue fully regains its place as Nigeria’s Food Basket.
