Benue State Police Command, Makurdi

27/05/2026

BENUE STATE POLICE COMMAND
PRESS RELEASE

BENUE POLICE COMMAND DEPLOYS MASSIVE SECURITY FOR EID-EL-KABIR AND CHILDREN’S DAY CELEBRATIONS

The Commissioner of Police, Benue State Command, CP Innocent Ifeanyi Emenari PhD psc mnips has ordered the deployment of adequate security personnel across the state ahead of the Eid-el-Kabir and Children’s Day celebrations scheduled for Wednesday, 27th May, 2026.

The Command notes that the period is usually characterized by large gatherings of people at Eid praying grounds, relaxation centres, recreational facilities, highways, parks and other public places as residents celebrate with their families and loved ones.

In line with directives Inspector General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu NPM, the Commissioner of Police has directed all Area Commanders, Tactical Commanders, Divisional Police Officers and Heads of Departments to emplace watertight security measures within their respective areas of responsibility.

The Command has specifically ordered intensified patrols along major highways, worship centres, recreational facilities and other vulnerable points across the state. Visibility policing has also been strengthened to ensure the safety of residents and visitors during the festive period.

Parents and guardians are assured that adequate measures have been put in place to protect children who may come out to celebrate Children’s Day activities across the state.

The Command further warns criminal elements and hoodlums to stay away from Benue State, as security agencies are fully prepared to respond decisively to any attempt to disrupt public peace and order.

Members of the public are advised to remain security conscious, report suspicious movements or persons to the nearest police station, and cooperate with security personnel deployed to various locations.

The Benue State Police Command wishes all Muslim faithful and residents of the state a peaceful and safe Eid-el-Kabir and Children’s Day celebration.

DSP Udeme Edet
Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO)
Benue State Police Command
27 may 2027

24/05/2026

*BENUE STATE POLICE COMMAND*
*PRESS RELEASE*

DEATH OF A FUGITIVE

The Benue State Police Command wishes to inform the general public of an incident involving the death of one Atser Sesugh, who was involved in a fraud and cybercrime case being investigated by the Economic and Financial Crime Commission (EFCC).

Report made available to Benue State Commissioner of Police indicates that on 28th April 2026, personnel of the EFCC Makurdi arrested three suspects—James Onuh, Atser Sesugh, and Solomon Aondoakura Orhena in connection with case of fraud and cybercrime. These suspects reportedly escaped from lawful custody from the EFCC Makurdi facility on 4th May 2026 and went into hiding.

On 23rd May 2026 at about 1500hrs, credible information was received by EFCC that the fleeing suspects had been sighted at their hideout behind Mechanic Village, Kanshio, Makurdi.

Upon arrival at the scene, operatives sighted a group of young men suspected to be cultists who opened fire on the EFCC operatives and escaped during an exchange of gunfire that followed. While retreating from the scene, after exchanging fire with the hoodlums, the EFCC operatives sighted one of the escapees, Atser Sesugh, lying in the pool of his blood by the roadside.

The suspect was immediately picked and taken to the Police Cottage Hospital Makurdi by the operatives where he was confirmed dead. His co**se has been deposited at the Benue State University Teaching Hospital mortuary for preservation and autopsy.

The Commissioner of Police has directed the DC CID to investigate the circumstances surrounding the incident. Efforts are also ongoing to apprehend the other fleeing fugitives.

The Commissioner of Police, Benue State Command, assures the public of a thorough investigation and reiterates the Command’s commitment to upholding the rule of law.

For reports of suspicious activities and emergencies contact these lines 08066006475, 07067374913

Dsp Udeme Edet
Police Public Relations Officer
For: Commissioner Of Police
Benue State Command.
May 24th 2026

22/05/2026

PRESS RELEASE

BENUE POLICE COMMAND RECORDS MAJOR BREAKTHROUGHS AGAINST CRIME

The Benue State Police Command has recorded major operational breakthroughs in its ongoing fight against violent crimes across the state. These include the arrest of seven suspected kidnappers and armed robbers, recovery of one stolen vehicle, recovery of two AK-47 rifles, other arms and ammunition, as well as the uncovering of a suspected human trafficking and job racketeering syndicate.

On 21/05/2026, operatives of the Command’s tactical team acting on credible intelligence carried out a tactical operation in Gboko Local Government Area, leading to the arrest of five suspected armed robbers and kidnappers. The suspects reportedly engaged police operatives in a gun duel before they were subdued by the superior tactical response of the operatives.

Items recovered during the operation include two locally fabricated AK-47 rifles, two pistols, and rounds of live ammunition. The suspects are under police custody, while investigation has commenced at the State Criminal Investigation Department.

Similarly, on 22/05/2026 operatives attached to Otukpo Division successfully recovered a Lexus RX 350 vehicle reportedly snatched at gunpoint in Owerri, Imo State. Acting on intelligence that the vehicle was being moved through Benue State, police operatives swiftly intercepted the vehicle within the Otukpo axis and arrested one suspect, who is currently assisting ongoing investigations.

The Command also recorded another breakthrough in an investigation involving a reported kidnapping incident in Ushongo Local Government Area on the 19/05/2026 . Following a complaint that a young man had gone missing after accompanying a suspected acquaintance and that the family later received a ransom demand of Seven Million Naira ( #7,000,000), detectives swung into action and arrested one suspect linked to the case. Further investigation aided by technical intelligence led to the arrest of two additional suspects at Katsina-Ala on 22/05/2026, including the purported victim, who was discovered to have allegedly conspired in the kidnapping arrangement. The suspects are currently in custody as investigation continues.

The Command also recorded breakthroughs in separate investigations involving alleged armed robbery and attempted culpable homicide in Ushongo Local Government Area. Following intensive investigation and intelligence gathering, suspects connected to the incidents were arrested, while a stolen motorcycle linked to one of the cases was also recovered.

In another development, the Command uncovered a suspected human trafficking and job racketeering syndicate involving the deceptive recruitment of young women under the guise of securing employment opportunities outside the country. Preliminary investigation revealed that the victims were allegedly trafficked and subjected to exploitation and abuse before escaping and returning to Nigeria. One suspect has been arrested in connection with the case, while efforts are ongoing to apprehend other members of the syndicate believed to be operating outside the country.

The Commissioner of Police, CP Ifeanyi Emenari, PhD, psc, mnips, commends the gallantry, professionalism, and resilience displayed by officers involved in the various operations.

The Command remains committed to sustaining aggressive operations against kidnapping, armed robbery, human trafficking, and other violent crimes across Benue State. Members of the public are encouraged to continue supporting security agencies with timely and credible information and to report suspicious activities through the Command’s emergency lines 08066006475, 07067374913 or at the nearest police station.

DSP Udeme Edet
Police Public Relations Officer
For: Commissioner of Police
Benue State Command.
22nd may 2026

02/05/2026

19/04/2026

PRESS RELEASE

OTUKPO KIDNAPPING INCIDENT: ALL VICTIMS RESCUED, SUSPECTS ARRESTED

The Benue State Police Command wishes to inform the general public of a significant breakthrough in the kidnapping incident involving passengers of a Benue Links bus which occurred on 15th April 2026 in Otukpo.

Following sustained and coordinated operations by the Police and other security agencies, all remaining 13 victims of the incident have been successfully rescued. The victims are currently undergoing medical examination and are in stable condition. They are expected to be debriefed and reunited with their families thereafter.

With this development, all 18 passengers involved in the incident have now been accounted for and are safe.

In the course of the operation, seven suspects have been arrested in connection with the incident, out of which three have been identified as members of the kidnapping gang. Investigation is ongoing to apprehend other accomplices and unravel the full network behind the crime.

The Commissioner of Police, CP Ifeanyi Emenari PhD,psc,mnips has directed the intensification of clearance operations in the Otukpo axis, particularly around the Amla Forest corridor, aimed at the complete removal of criminal elements operating in the area.

The Command acknowledges and appreciates the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, psc(+), NPM, for his continuous support to the Command, particularly through the timely deployment of additional tactical teams and operational resources to the state, which significantly enhanced the success of the ongoing operations. The Command also appreciates the Governor of Benue State, Rev. Dr. Hyacinth Iormem Alia, for his continuous support towards strengthening security in the state.

The Command also appreciates other security agencies within the state, as this success was made possible through collaborative efforts with the Nigerian Army (Operation Whirl Stroke), the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (Agro Rangers), the Department of State Services (DSS), the Civil Protection Guards, and other security stakeholders.

The Command assures residents of its unwavering commitment to the protection of lives and property and will continue to deploy all necessary resources and strategies to ensure sustained peace and security across the state.

Members of the public are encouraged to report any suspicious activities to the following official police hotlines: 08066006475, 07067374913, or report at the nearest police station. The Command further urges continued cooperation by providing credible and timely information to security agencies.

Further developments will be communicated in due course.

DSP Udeme Edet
Police Public Relations Officer
For: Commissioner of Police
Benue State Command
19th April 2026

17/04/2026

PRESS RELEASE

OTUKPO KIDNAPPING INCIDENT: JOINT SECURITY OPERATION YIELDS ARRESTS AND RESCUE OF SOME VICTIMS.

The Benue State Police Command wishes to inform the general public of a significant breakthrough following the kidnapping incident that occurred on 15th April, 2026 in Otukpo.

In a coordinated joint security operation involving the Police and other sister security agencies, operatives are conducting a targeted search-and-rescue mission in Amla Forest and adjoining areas. The operation has led to the successful rescue of some of the victims, who are currently receiving medical attention.

Further intelligence gathered in the course of the operation led to the arrest of seven (7) suspects, who are currently in police custody while investigation is ongoing.

The Command also wishes to clarify misinformation circulating in some news media suggesting that the victims were part of a convoy conveying students to write the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME). The Command states that this claim is incorrect, as the victims were not confirmed to be part of any organised UTME-bound student convoy but passengers in a Markudi bound bus.

The Commissioner of Police, Benue State Command, CP Ifeanyi Emenari, PhD, psc, mnips, assures members of the public that the Command, in collaboration with other security agencies, is intensifying efforts to rescue the remaining victims and ensure the full restoration of peace and security in the affected area.

Members of the public are encouraged to report any suspicious activities to the following official police hotlines: 08066006475, 07067374913, or report at the nearest police station. The Command further urges continued cooperation by providing credible and timely information to security agencies.

DSP Udeme Edet anipr,
Police Public Relations Officer
For: Commissioner of Police
Benue State Command
17th April 2026

15/04/2026

PRESS RELEASE

BENUE STATE POLICE COMMAND REITERATES COMMITMENT TO COUNTER-BANDITRY OPERATIONS, CAUTIONS AGAINST MISINFORMATION AND CRIMINAL COLLABORATION

The Benue State Police Command wishes to reiterate its statutory responsibility and ongoing efforts as the lead security agency in addressing banditry and other violent crimes across the State.

The Command acknowledges the recent security challenges experienced in parts of the State, particularly in Apa, Logo, Katsina-Ala, Ukum, Gwer East, and Guma Local Government Areas. While these incidents remain a concern, they continue to inform the review and strengthening of operational strategies aimed at restoring normalcy in affected communities.

Officers and men of the Command have remained committed in the discharge of their duties, with notable sacrifices recorded in the course of ongoing operations. The Command recognizes the dedication and resilience of its personnel as efforts continue to improve security across the State.

In furtherance of its operational objectives, the Command has sustained the deployment of tactical teams to identified areas of concern, including hinterlands and other vulnerable locations, while also conducting targeted clearance operations to dislodge criminal elements. These efforts have led to the disruption of criminal activities, recovery of arms, and increased security presence in affected communities.

The Command also notes the circulation of misleading information and unverified reports in certain quarters. Members of the public are advised to rely on official sources for accurate information, as the spread of misinformation may undermine ongoing security efforts.

Furthermore, the Benue State Police Command wishes to issue a strong caution to individuals and groups involved in cattle rustling, as well as those who knowingly purchase, harbor, or benefit from proceeds of stolen livestock. Intelligence and ongoing investigations have revealed that such activities often contribute to cycles of violence and reprisal attacks within communities.

Accordingly, anyone found to be directly or indirectly involved in cattle rustling or in the handling of its proceeds will be treated as a collaborator in banditry and will be dealt with in accordance with the law.

The Command therefore urges all residents to desist from such unlawful activities and to support security agencies by providing credible information that will aid ongoing operations.

The Commissioner of Police, Benue State Command, CP Ifeanyi Emenari, PhD, psc, mnips, assures residents that efforts are being sustained to protect lives and property, and that all persons found culpable in criminal activities will be brought to justice.

For emergency assistance or to provide credible information, members of the public are advised to contact the nearest police formation or the Command through the following emergency lines: 08066006475, 07067374913.

DSP Udeme Edet
Police Public Relations Officer
For: the commissioner of police
Benue State Command
15th April 2026

05/04/2026

PRESS RELEASE

POLICE CONFIRM NINE DEAD FOLLOWING ATTACK IN MBATSADA, MBALOM COMMUNITY, GWER EAST LGA

The Benue State Police Command wishes to inform the general public of a tragic incident that occurred on 4th April 2026 in Mbatsada, Mbalom Community, Gwer East Local Government Area, where suspected armed herdsmen attacked the community, resulting in loss of lives and injuries.

Upon receipt of the distress report, police operatives, in synergy with other security agencies, were promptly mobilized to the area. A combined team of security personnel conducted a thorough search of the affected community, during which nine (9) co**ses were recovered and have been evacuated to the General Hospital, Aliade.

Preliminary findings indicate that the incident followed heightened tensions within the locality. While the Command is aware of varying accounts surrounding the circumstances of the attack, a comprehensive investigation is ongoing to ascertain the facts and ensure that all those responsible are identified and brought to justice.

The Deputy Commissioner of Police in Charge of Operations, in company of the Area Commander Gboko, are currently on ground overseeing coordinated security operations aimed at stabilizing the area, preventing further violence, and reassuring residents.

Meanwhile, the State Criminal Investigation Department (CID) has commenced a full-scale investigation into the incident. Tactical teams, including Police Mobile Force (PMF) personnel, have also been strategically deployed to the area to enhance security presence, prevent any further breakdown of law and order, and intensify efforts to track down the perpetrators.

The Commissioner of Police, Benue State Command, CP Ifeanyi Emenari, PhD, psc,mnips, reiterates the Command’s commitment to the protection of lives and property and urges residents to remain calm, law-abiding, and supportive of security agencies by providing credible and timely information.

Further developments will be communicated as investigations progress.

DSP Udeme Edet
Police Public Relations Officer
For: Commissioner of Police
Benue State Command
5th April 2026

04/04/2026

PRESS RELEASE

IGP DEPLOYS PMF SQUADRONS AND SPECIALIZED TACTICAL TEAMS TO BENUE STATE AHEAD OF 2026 EASTER CELEBRATION

The Inspector-General of Police IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, psc(+),NPM has ordered the deployment of fourteen (14) Units drawn from sixteen (16) Police Mobile Force (PMF) Squadrons, alongside two hundred and fifty (250) personnel from specialized tactical teams, to reinforce the Benue State Police Command ahead of the 2026 Easter celebration.

This strategic deployment is aimed at strengthening ongoing security operations and ensuring the protection of lives and property across the state during the festive period. The deployed personnel have been integrated with the State Command’s tactical teams and other security agencies, with a focus on dominating the hinterlands, vulnerable communities, and key public spaces.

The Commissioner of Police, Benue State Command,CP Ifeanyi Emenari PhD,psc,mnips while commending the Inspector-General of Police for the timely reinforcement, reassured residents of the Command’s readiness to maintain law and order before, during, and after the Easter festivities. He urged citizens to remain vigilant, law-abiding, and to cooperate with security agencies by providing timely and useful information.

The Command further encourages members of the public to report any suspicious movements or activities to the nearest police formation or through the following designated emergency lines,08066006475,07067374913, as collective responsibility remains key to achieving a safe and hitch-free celebration.

DSP Udeme Edet
Police Public Relations Officer,
For:The Commissioner Of Police
Benue State Police Command,
Makurdi.
3rd April 2026.

31/03/2026

*BENUE STATE POLICE COMMAND*
*31st March, 2026*
*PRESS RELEASE*

*DAY TWO OF NATIONAL POLICE WEEK 2026: BENUE POLICE COMMAND PARTICIPATES IN WALKATHON TO PROMOTE FITNESS, OPERATIONAL READINESS, AND COMMUNITY TRUST*

The Benue State Police Command today, Tuesday, 31st March, 2026, joined the Nigeria Police Zone 4 Headquarters, Makurdi, in a collaborative Walkathon exercise as part of activities marking the second day of the 2026 National Police Week celebration.

The Walkathon, which commenced at approximately 0800 hours from the Benue State Police Headquarters, Makurdi, and ended around 1000 hours, witnessed the participation of officers and men of the Command alongside senior officers from Zone 4 Headquarters. The exercise was aimed at promoting physical fitness, demonstrating operational readiness, and strengthening public confidence in the Nigeria Police Force.

In attendance were the Assistant Inspector-General of Police in charge of Zone 4, AIG Dankombo F. Morris psc(+), represented by the Deputy Commissioner of Police overseeing the Department of Finance and Administration (DFA), the Commissioner of Police, Benue State Command, members of the Police Officers’ Wives Association (POWA), representatives of sister security agencies, the Police Community Relations Committee (PCRC), members of the press, and other critical stakeholders.

Speaking during the event, the Commissioner of Police, Benue State Command, reiterated that the core mandate of the Nigeria Police Force in Benue State remains the protection of lives and property and the sustained effort to ensure that Benue State remains safe and secure for all residents.

The Commissioner of Police expressed appreciation to the Benue State Chapter of the Police Officers’ Wives Association (POWA), members of the press, sister security agencies, and all stakeholders for their continued support and collaboration with the Command. He emphasized that such partnerships are vital in achieving effective policing and fostering public trust.

The Command notes that the Walkathon exercise follows the sanitation exercise conducted on Monday, 30th March, 2026, as part of activities lined up for the National Police Week. These activities will continue throughout the week, culminating in the grand celebration of National Police Day on the 7th of April, 2026.

The Benue State Police Command reassures members of the public of its unwavering commitment to community-oriented policing and calls on all residents to continue to support the Police with timely and useful information that will aid in the fight against crime and criminality.

*DSP Udeme Edet*
Police Public Relations Officer
Benue State Command
For: Commissioner Of Police, Benue State Command.