Benue State Police Command, Makurdi

20/10/2026

STRONGER PARTNERSHIPS, SAFER BENUE: CP Cletus C.N Nwadiobu WELCOMES 11 BRIGADE COMMANDER TO BENUE STATE COMMAND

The Commissioner of Police, Benue State Command, CP Cletus C. N. Nwadiogbu psc(+), mnips, PhD, received Brigadier General A. O. Odubiyi, Commander of the newly established 11 Brigade of the Nigerian Army, on a courtesy and familiarisation visit.

The visit provided an opportunity for formal introductions and fruitful discussions on strengthening inter-agency synergy, cooperation and information sharing towards enhancing security and maintaining peace across Benue State.

The Benue State Police Command remains committed to building stronger partnerships with sister security agencies to ensure the safety of lives and property.

19/10/2026

BENUE POLICE RECORD MAJOR BREAKTHROUGH IN OHIMINI LGA, RESCUE EIGHT KIDNAPPED VICTIMS, ARREST TWO SUSPECTS

The Benue State Police Command has recorded another operational success in its sustained efforts to combat kidnapping and other violent crimes in the State, following the successful rescue of eight kidnapped victims and the arrest of two suspects in Ohimini Local Government Area.

The development followed a kidnapping incident on Tuesday, 13th October 2026, at about 2015hrs, when armed men abducted a Reverend Father and some other persons returning from a village market along the Ugbokolo–Ajegbe–Awume Road, before Ipiga Village in Ohimini LGA.

Upon receipt of the report, operatives of the Command, in conjunction with personnel of the Police Mobile Force (PMF) and the Benue State Civil Protection Guards, were immediately mobilised to the area and launched a coordinated rescue operation. The operation led to the successful rescue of eight victims, with two rescued on 16th October 2026 and six on 18th October 2026. The rescued victims were taken to the Federal University of Health Sciences Teaching Hospital, Otukpo, for medical examination and necessary medical attention.

In the course of the rescue operations, two suspects, identified as Echefu Emmanuel and Obonyilor Emmanuel, were arrested. Both suspects are currently assisting with the ongoing investigation, while efforts are being intensified to apprehend other fleeing members of the criminal gang and ensure that all those involved are brought to justice.

The Commissioner of Police, Benue State Command, CP Cletus C. N. Nwadiogbu, psc(+), mnips, PhD, appreciates the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, psc(+), NPM, and the AIG, Police Mobile Force (PMF), for their unwavering support to the Command in the ongoing fight against violent crime in the State. He also commended the operatives for their prompt response, professionalism, and commitment to the protection of lives and property. He reassured residents of the Command’s readiness and determination to sustain intelligence-led operations and deny criminal elements the opportunity to threaten the peace and security of the State.

The Command calls on members of the public to continue supporting the Police with timely and credible information that could assist ongoing operations. Residents are also urged to promptly report suspicious movements and activities to the nearest police station.

DSP ORCHIA PETER AONDONGU
Police Public Relations Officer
For: Commissioner of Police
Benue State Command
19th October 2026

16/10/2026

PRESS RELEASE

BENUE STATE POLICE COMMAND DEBUNKS REPORT OF WITHDRAWAL OF MOBILE POLICE PERSONNEL FROM AYILAMO

The Benue State Police Command has dismissed as false a media report alleging the withdrawal of Mobile Police personnel from Ayilamo, Logo Local Government Area of Benue State, noting that the report has generated fear and concern among residents.

The report claimed that the personnel had withdrawn from the community with their belongings, including an Armoured Personnel Carrier (APC), raising concerns about the security situation in the area.

For the avoidance of doubt, the Command wishes to clarify that Mobile Police personnel remain stationed in Ayilamo. The Divisional Police team and other tactical teams are also present and operating in the area as part of ongoing efforts to maintain security and protect lives and property.

The Commissioner of Police, Benue State Command, CP Cletus C. N. Nwadiogbu, psc(+), mnips, PhD, urges residents to remain calm and go about their lawful activities without fear. He also advises members of the public to verify information before sharing it and to avoid circulating unconfirmed reports capable of causing unnecessary panic.

The Command remains committed to its responsibility of maintaining law and order and calls on residents to continue cooperating with security agencies by providing credible information that will assist in safeguarding their communities.

DSP ORCHIA PETER AONDONGU
Police Public Relations Officer,
For: Commissioner Of Police
Benue State Command
16th October, 2026

07/10/2026

PRESS RELEASE

BENUE POLICE COMMAND MARKS CUSTOMER SERVICE WEEK 2026, CP NWADIOGBU REITERATES COMMITMENT TO RESPONSIVE POLICING

The Benue State Police Command today, 7th October 2026, joined the Nigeria Police Force and other government institutions across the country in commemorating the 2026 Customer Service Week, with the theme “THE EXTRA MILE.”

As part of activities marking the week, the Commissioner of Police, Benue State Command, CP Cletus C. N. Nwadiogbu, psc(+), mnips, PhD, visited B Division Police Headquarters, Makurdi, where he interacted with police officers and members of the public, emphasising the importance of responsive and people-oriented policing.

During the visit, the Commissioner charged police officers to prioritise prompt response to complaints, professionalism and courtesy in their dealings with members of the public. He stressed that every member of the public deserves to be heard and that legitimate complaints should receive the necessary attention and appropriate response.

CP Nwadiogbu further urged personnel to embrace the spirit of “THE EXTRA MILE” by going beyond the ordinary in the discharge of their responsibilities, noting that the quality of service rendered by police officers is critical to building public confidence and strengthening the relationship between the Police and the community.

The Commissioner also engaged directly with members of the public at the Division, listening to their concerns and complaints and reassuring them of the Police’s readiness to attend to their needs within the ambit of the law. The engagement provided an opportunity for the Command to further demonstrate its commitment to accessible and responsive policing.

As part of the activities marking the week, the Command also organised a free medical outreach, providing medical support to beneficiaries as part of its commitment to the wellbeing of the people it serves.

The Commissioner of Police noted that Customer Service Week should not be viewed merely as an annual celebration, but as a reminder of the responsibility of every police officer to serve with commitment, courtesy and professionalism. He urged personnel to make “THE EXTRA MILE” a daily principle in their dealings with members of the public.

The Benue State Police Command remains committed to professional, responsive and people-oriented policing, while continuously strengthening public confidence and fostering a positive relationship between the Police and the people of Benue State.

DSP ORCHIA PETER AONDONGU
Police Public Relations Officer,
For: Commissioner of Police,
Benue State Command
7th October, 2026.

01/10/2026

WISHING THE GOOD PEOPLE OF BENUE STATE A HAPPY INDEPENDENCE DAY CELEBRATION

19/09/2026

16/09/2026

PRESS RELEASE

BENUE POLICE COMMAND HOSTS POLITICAL PARTY LEADERS, FLAG BEARERS / CANDIDATES, SECURITY AGENCIES AND OTHER STAKEHOLDERS FOR PEACE ACCORD

The Benue State Police Command, on the 15th September 2026, hosted State Chairmen of political parties, candidates, representatives of sister security agencies and other key stakeholders to a Peace Accord signing ceremony aimed at promoting peaceful political activities and sustaining security across the state.

The engagement, held in Makurdi, brought together political party leaders, candidates and heads/representatives of security and law enforcement agencies, as well as other relevant stakeholders. The stakeholders reaffirmed their commitment to peaceful campaigns, respect for the rule of law and the protection of lives and property throughout the electoral period.

Addressing the gathering, the Commissioner of Police, Benue State Command, CP Cletus C. N. Nwadiogbu, psc(+), mnips, PhD, urged political leaders and candidates to ensure that their supporters conduct themselves peacefully and responsibly. He particularly warned against the recruitment or use of political thugs, cult groups and other criminal elements to intimidate opponents or disrupt lawful political activities.

The Peace Accord was subsequently signed by participating political parties and candidates, signifying their collective commitment to reject political violence, respect the rights of other political actors and cooperate with security agencies in maintaining peace throughout the electoral process.

The Commissioner assured all political parties and candidates that the Police Command would remain professional, impartial and committed to providing adequate security for all lawful political activities. He further urged stakeholders to maintain effective communication with the Police and other security agencies, especially in respect of planned rallies, campaigns and other major political activities.

The Command therefore calls on all political leaders, candidates, supporters and the general public to uphold the spirit of the Peace Accord and work collectively towards peaceful and credible political activities in Benue State.

DSP ORCHIA PETER AONDONGU
Police Public Relations Officer,
For: Commissioner of Police
Benue State Command
16th September, 2026.

15/09/2026

PRESS RELEASE

BENUE POLICE COMMAND PRESENTS INSURANCE CHEQUES TO FAMILIES OF DECEASED POLICE OFFICERS

The Benue State Police Command today presented insurance cheques to families of deceased police officers at the Command Headquarters, Makurdi, as part of the efforts being made by the Inspector General of Police to provide support to families of officers who lost their lives in the course of service.

Presenting the cheques, the Commissioner of Police, Benue State Command, CP Cletus C.N. Nwadiobu psc(+), mnips, PhD extended the warm regards and condolences of the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, psc(+), NPM, to the bereaved families over the loss of their loved ones.

The Commissioner acknowledged that no financial assistance can adequately compensate for the loss of a loved one, but noted that the insurance benefits are intended to provide some relief and support to the affected families.

He urged the beneficiaries to utilise the funds judiciously, particularly in addressing their immediate needs and supporting the welfare of their families especially the children of the deceased.

The Command remains committed to the welfare of its personnel and their families, and will continue to support the Inspector General of Police initiatives aimed at providing assistance to officers and the families affected by loss in the course of service.

DSP ORCHIA PETER AONDONGU
Police Public Relations Officer,
For: Commissioner of Police
Benue State Command.
15th September, 2026.

11/09/2026

PRESS RELEASE

POLICE REPEL ARMED BANDITS' ATTACK ON AYILAMO COMMUNITY

The Benue State Police Command wishes to inform members of the public of the repelled attack on Ayilamo Community in Logo Local Government Area of Benue State on 10th September 2026.

Report received reveals that suspected armed bandits in large numbers invaded and attacked the community at about 1812hrs. Police operatives comprising PMF units, tactical teams and conventional police officers deployed to the area gallantly responded and engaged the attackers in a sustained operation which lasted for seven hours.

The operatives stood firm in defence of the community and successfully repelled the attack, forcing the criminal elements to retreat into the surrounding forest with heavy casualties in the early hours of 11th September 2026.

Regrettably, four police officers paid the supreme price in the course of defending the community. Their bodies were subsequently recovered during search and rescue operations in the surrounding bushes. The corpses of seven civilians were also recovered following the attack and deposited at a mortuary for necessary procedures.

The Commissioner of Police, Benue State Command, CP Cletus C. N. Nwadiogbu, psc(+), mnips, PhD, has commended the courage, resilience and gallantry displayed by the operatives who stood firm in defence of the community. He paid special tribute to the fallen officers who made the ultimate sacrifice in the service of their nation.

The Commissioner of Police also extends his heartfelt condolences to the families of the deceased civilians and the entire Ayilamo Community, assuring them that the Command shares in their grief and remains resolute in its commitment to protecting lives and property.

Meanwhile, additional tactical teams have been mobilised and deployed to the area to reinforce existing security arrangements, while the Command continues to work closely with other security agencies to strengthen security and sustain operations in the affected area.

The Benue State Police Command reassures residents of Ayilamo Community and the people of Benue State that every necessary measure is being taken to protect lives and property. Members of the public are urged to remain calm, vigilant and cooperate with security agencies by providing useful and timely information that can assist ongoing operations.

DSP ORCHIA PETER AONDONGU
Police Public Relations Officer
For: Commissioner of Police,
Benue State Command

11th September, 2026.

22/08/2026

BENUE POLICE COMMAND COMMEMORATES NATIONAL YOUTH DAY, HOLDS STAKEHOLDERS’ YOUTH DIALOGUE, KICK-STARTS POCACOV OFFICE

The Benue State Police Command has joined the Nigeria Police Force in commemorating the 2026 National Youth Day with a Stakeholders’ Youth Dialogue involving representatives of student unions, youth associations and other youth-focused organisations across the State.

The engagement, led by the Police Management Team, provided an opportunity for open and constructive discussions with young people on issues affecting their safety, wellbeing and participation in building peaceful communities.

Key discussions at the dialogue centred on the need to discourage electoral thuggery, cultism, cyberbullying, drug and substance abuse, violence and other forms of criminality, particularly those capable of exploiting young people or undermining the peace and security of the State. Participants also discussed practical ways the Police and youth organisations can strengthen collaboration in preventing crime and promoting peaceful coexistence in their communities.

The Commissioner of Police, Benue State Command, CP Cletus C. N. Nwadiogbu, encouraged the youths to see themselves as important partners in maintaining peace and security in the State. He urged them to reject violence and criminal associations, use digital platforms responsibly, and actively contribute to the development of their communities and the State.

As part of the activities, the Command also kick-started the Office of the Police Campaign Against Cultism and Other Vices (POCACOV) in Benue State. The office will serve as a platform for sustaining and expanding the Command’s advocacy and sensitisation efforts, particularly through continuous engagements with schools, student unions, youth organisations and other relevant stakeholders.

Through the POCACOV office, the Command will continue to take the message of peace, responsible citizenship and crime prevention directly to young people, while encouraging them to reject cultism and other vices and channel their energy and talents towards productive and lawful pursuits.

The Command appreciated the youth leaders, student representatives and other stakeholders who participated in the dialogue and contributed valuable perspectives, while reaffirming its commitment to sustained youth engagement and partnerships that promote peace, responsible citizenship and crime prevention across the State.

DSP ORCHIA PETER AONDONGU
Police Public Relations Officer
For: Commissioner of Police
Benue State Command
22 August, 2026.