Police record major success against criminals in Benue, says CP Nwadiogwu

Henry Iyorkase, Makurdi

Commissioner of Police in Benue State, Mr. Cletus Nwadiogwu, has reaffirmed the commitment of the Benue State Police Command to transparency and professionalism, assuring residents that the command will continue to provide accurate and verified information on security matters.

Speaking during a press briefing at the Police Command Headquarters in Makurdi, the state capital, on Friday, the CP dismissed reports in some quarters alleging that the command suppresses information, describing such claims as unfounded.

According to him, the police have no reason to withhold information from the public once it has been properly verified and authenticated.

Nwadiogwu said the command has recorded major operational successes in recent weeks through intelligence-led operations, leading to the arrest of suspected gunrunners, armed robbers, cattle rustlers and fraudsters, as well as the recovery of illegal firearms and ammunition.

He disclosed that police operatives intercepted two suspected gunrunners riding on a motorcycle during a routine operation. While one of the suspects escaped into a nearby bush, the other was arrested, leading to the recovery of a large cache of ammunition.

The police commissioner further revealed that about two weeks ago, the command’s tactical team uncovered another illegal arms syndicate in Kwande Local Government Area, where several weapons were recovered, including AK-47 rifles and five locally fabricated English pistols of different makes.

On cattle rustling, the CP lamented that criminal gangs involved in the illicit trade have become increasingly violent, noting that they recently killed 13 persons during one of their operations.

He explained that the suspects often shoot anyone who attempts to resist or confront them while rustling cattle, resulting in the loss of many innocent lives.

Nwadiogwu also announced the arrest of a suspected notorious armed robber, identified as Terseer Ephraim, during an operation in Buruku Local Government Area.

According to him, the suspect volunteered useful information during interrogation, which led police operatives to his hideout in Kusuv, where five additional members of the gang were arrested. He confirmed that all the suspects are currently in police custody.

The commissioner further disclosed that police operatives came under attack during one of the operations, but successfully repelled the assault and neutralised the armed suspects.

“Our operatives were ambushed by armed criminal elements, but they responded professionally and overpowered the attackers,” he said.

The CP also narrated how a suspected kidnapping case was uncovered to be a staged incident after investigations revealed that a man, in collaboration with an accomplice, had lodged in a hotel and falsely informed his mother that he had been kidnapped.

The suspects allegedly demanded a ransom of ₦10 million from the family before police investigations exposed the plot. Both suspects have since been arrested and are assisting with further investigations.

In another development, the command arrested a woman identified as Joy Ogbs from Kogi State for her alleged involvement in advance fee fraud. The suspect is said to be part of a syndicate that specialises in defrauding unsuspecting members of the public through fraudulent schemes.

The police boss also confirmed that the command is investigating the death of a one-month-old baby in Aliade, Gwer East Local Government Area.

According to him, a resident, Charles Ashim, reported that a woman identified as Nancy Sunday allegedly killed the infant in a family dispute involving a polygamous household. The case remains under investigation.

Nwadiogwu said exhibits recovered from the various operations include AK-47 rifles, six locally made English pistols, large quantities of ammunition and other dangerous weapons.

He assured residents that the Benue State Police Command would sustain its offensive against criminal elements and urged members of the public to continue providing credible information to assist security agencies in combating crime across the state.