A major security operation has been launched in Benue State as the Nigeria Police Force begins a 14-day crackdown on illegal firearms and criminal hideouts.
The move comes amid renewed efforts to restore peace in communities affected by violent attacks. Consequently, security agencies have been directed to intensify operations across several high-risk areas in the state.
The security crackdown was announced by the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Rilwan Disu, during a stakeholders’ meeting held at the Government House in Makurdi on Friday.
The operation is expected to target armed criminals, illegal weapons and known criminal camps while protecting law-abiding residents.
Speaking during the meeting, the IGP disclosed that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu had given clear instructions that insecurity in Benue must be brought under control.
According to him, only authorised security personnel are permitted to carry firearms in the state.
He warned that anyone found with illegal weapons would face the full weight of the law.
Furthermore, the police chief directed officers to begin aggressive enforcement against the unlawful possession of firearms.
He also instructed personnel to act decisively under Force Order 237 whenever they encounter armed criminals during operations.
The IGP assured residents that security agencies would continue coordinated operations until lasting peace is restored across Benue State.
He stressed that the objective of the exercise is to protect innocent citizens while removing criminal elements from affected communities.
Meanwhile, the Deputy Inspector-General of Police in charge of Mobile Policing, Francis Iduh, provided more details about the operation.
He revealed that security agencies have already identified 14 major flashpoints where the special operation will be concentrated.
According to him, the affected locations include Gbajimgba, Arufu, Agasha, Kwande, Agatu, Naka, Otukpo, Makurdi, Apa and several other vulnerable communities.
Moreover, forests, farmlands and remote hideouts will receive special attention during the exercise.
Security teams are expected to carry out surveillance, clearance patrols and intelligence-led operations throughout the two-week period.
Iduh explained that the operation is designed to flush out armed herders, bandits and other criminal groups operating within the state.
However, he assured residents that innocent people would not be harassed during the exercise.
Instead, officers have been instructed to separate law-abiding citizens from those involved in criminal activities.
In addition, he appealed to residents to support security agencies with useful information that could lead to the arrest of suspects.
According to him, community cooperation remains one of the most effective tools in fighting crime.
He maintained that the operation would rely heavily on credible intelligence gathered from members of the public.
Furthermore, he said security agencies remain committed to conducting professional operations that respect the rights of peaceful residents.
