Benue State’s police commissioner, Emenari Ifeanyi, has praised Governor Hyacinth Alia’s unwavering commitment to addressing insecurity, as joint security operations intensify against armed herders and bandits in the central Nigerian state. Commissioner Ifeanyi highlighted the governor’s proactive support, stating it has been instrumental in enabling police and military responses to protect rural communities.
Addressing journalists in Makurdi, the commissioner outlined a multi-agency strategy involving the Nigeria Police Force, military units, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), and the Benue State Civil Protection Guard. These agencies conduct regular joint patrols across vulnerable areas. The police have also deployed aerial assets for surveillance and positioned tactical units in high-risk locations to deter criminal activity.
His remarks follow a recent deadly attack. On June 13, bandits raided the communities of Asakpa, Ojantele, and Okpete in Apa Local Government Area, killing six villagers. In response, security operatives, including troops from Operation Whirl Stroke, launched a coordinated manhunt using drone surveillance to track the assailants into surrounding forests. Reinforcements, such as the police Special Intervention Squad and Counter Terrorism Unit, have been deployed to the region to prevent further incidents.
Commissioner Ifeanyi assured residents that security forces maintain control of the overall situation and respond swiftly to emerging threats. He urged the public to provide credible intelligence to support operations and cautioned against the politicisation or exaggeration of incidents, which he said could undermine efforts.
A representative from Operation Whirl Stroke confirmed the deployment of additional troops to Kwande Local Government Area to secure communities and block criminal infiltration routes. Both the police chief and the military commander expressed optimism that sustained joint operations would restore lasting peace and stability across Benue State, a region frequently impacted by conflicts between herders and farmers and criminal banditry. The commissioner’s public commendation of the governor underscores a coordinated civil-military approach aimed at curbing violence and reassuring residents.
