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Benue insecurity unacceptable, IGP declares, announces 14-day operation
🇳🇬 Nigeria /Crime & Justice

Benue insecurity unacceptable, IGP declares, announces 14-day operation

From Vanguard · () English

Translated from English, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

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  • Nigeria's Inspector-General of Police declared insecurity in Benue State unacceptable, announcing a 14-day operation to combat criminals.
  • The operation targets identified flashpoints across the state, including forests and criminal hideouts, to restore peace.
  • The IGP urged community support through credible intelligence and warned youths against being used for violence, emphasizing the police's commitment to serving the people.

Nigeria's Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, has declared the escalating insecurity in Benue State "unacceptable," announcing a 14-day security operation to purge criminals from identified flashpoints. The violence, which has caused sleepless nights for residents and security agencies, prompted President Bola Tinubu to direct an end to the killings and other criminal activities.

The insecurity in Benue is unacceptable. It has become a source of sleepless nights for the people and security agencies. Mr. President has made it clear that this situation will no longer be tolerated.

— Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Olatunji DisuSpeaking at a town hall meeting with stakeholders in Makurdi, the IGP declared the worsening insecurity in Benue State unacceptable.

Disu lamented that Benue, once known for peace, is now plagued by violence from armed herders, kidnappers, bandits, and cultists. He warned that the cycle of attacks and reprisals must cease. The police chief also cautioned youths against being recruited as political thugs or agents of violence, highlighting their vulnerability to exploitation during conflicts. He stressed that only authorized personnel can carry firearms and vowed to crack down on illegal weapons and armed criminals.

Young people often bear the greatest burden of these conflicts. Do not allow yourselves to be used as political thugs or agents of violence.

— Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Olatunji DisuThe police boss cautioned youths against allowing themselves to be recruited by politicians and other influential individuals to perpetrate violence.

The Assistant Inspector-General of Police, Francis Iduh, revealed that 14 major flashpoints, including communities like Bajimba, Arufu, Agatu, and Otukpo, will be targeted in the intensive operations. He emphasized the importance of community partnership and credible intelligence for effective action against criminals without harming law-abiding citizens.

If communities partner with us and provide credible intelligence, we will deal with criminals without criminalising law-abiding citizens.

— Assistant Inspector-General of Police, Mr. Francis IduhAccording to him, communities including Bajimba, Arufu, Agasha, Kwande, Agatu, Naka, Otukpo, Makurdi, Apa and other vulnerable areas would witness a 14-day stability and clearance operation.

Governor Hyacinth Alia welcomed the IGP's visit, calling it timely and acknowledging that insecurity threatens lives, farming, and the state's reputation. The IGP pledged to make Benue a regular destination until lasting peace is restored, assuring residents that the police are there to serve and that complaints against officers will be investigated.

The police belong to the people. We are here to serve, not to dominate. I will continue to visit Benue until lasting peace returns.

— Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Olatunji DisuThe IGP urged traditional rulers, elders, religious leaders and community members to support security agencies with credible intelligence.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Vanguard in English. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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