The Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, has identified the proliferation of sophisticated firearms as a major driver of violence in Benue State, pledging stronger intelligence operations to curb insecurity.
Disu made the remarks during a strategic stakeholders’ meeting held at the Benue State Government Banquet Hall in Makurdi as part of his official working visit to the state.
The Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Anietie Iniedu, disclosed this in a statement on Thursday, saying the engagement brought together Governor Hyacinth Alia, traditional rulers, religious leaders, youth and women representatives, farmers’ associations and other critical stakeholders to discuss solutions to the state’s security challenges, particularly the recurring farmer-herder conflict.
According to Iniedu, the Inspector-General expressed concern over the increasing circulation of sophisticated weapons, describing it as a major factor fuelling violence across several communities.
“The Inspector-General expressed grave concern over the widespread proliferation of sophisticated firearms, identifying it as the underlying driver of recurring violence across local communities,” Iniedu stated.
The police spokesman said Disu commended the Benue State Government and community leaders for supporting security operations, stressing that sustainable peace could only be achieved through close cooperation between security agencies and the public.
“The Inspector-General urged residents, particularly the youths, to report suspicious activities promptly, assuring them that intelligence provided would be handled with absolute confidentiality. He also pledged robust, intelligence-driven policing to strengthen security across the state,” Iniedu said.
Disu further called for stronger collaboration among conventional security agencies and local security outfits, noting that maintaining law and order is a collective responsibility.
Responding, Governor Hyacinth Alia thanked the Inspector-General for undertaking an operational assessment of the state’s security situation, describing the visit as a demonstration of the Nigeria Police Force’s commitment to restoring peace in Benue.
The governor reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to supporting security agencies and creating an environment where residents could live, work and farm without fear.
He also commended the Commissioner of Police, Benue State Command, CP Cletus C. Nwadiogbu, for his efforts to combat crime and strengthen police-community relations across the state.
“Governor Alia reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to supporting security agencies, stressing that his goal remains to guarantee a safe environment where every citizen can live, work and farm without fear,” Iniedu noted.
The Force spokesman said the meeting forms part of the Nigeria Police Force’s broader strategy to deepen stakeholder engagement, strengthen intelligence gathering and reinforce collaborative security efforts aimed at addressing emerging threats across the country.
He added that the Force remains committed to protecting lives and property while promoting professionalism, accountability and public trust in policing nationwide.
