At least 42 suspected bandits, including 10 armed herders, have been arrested in Benue State as part of a sweeping police operation to end killings across troubled communities.
The state’s new Commissioner of Police, Ifeanyi Emenari, made the announcement Wednesday during his first media briefing at the Police Officers’ Mess in Makurdi.
“I resumed duty on April 26, 2025, and immediately swung into action,” Emenari said. “We have taken the battle to their doorstep.”
The Punch reports that since assuming office, Emenari has visited major flashpoints including Gwer West, Apa, Logo, Katsina-Ala, and Guma LGAs. He said many farmlands were deserted out of fear, prompting a tactical deployment of officers to affected areas.
“Within a month, we’ve arrested 42 suspects linked to attacks—10 of them are already in court,” he added. “We also recovered two AK-47s and 21 locally made guns.”
He noted a dip in cult-related violence and revealed several kidnappers operating along the Makurdi–Lafia highway have been busted.
“We’re restoring peace, one arrest at a time,” the CP declared.
