Benue State Police Command has issued a stern warning to individuals involved in cattle rustling, urging them to cease such activities or face strict legal consequences.
The Commissioner of Police, Ifeanyi Emenari, delivered the caution in a statement released on Wednesday through the command’s spokesperson, DSP Udeme Edet, and shared with journalists. According to the police, intelligence reports and ongoing investigations indicate that cattle rustling has been a major trigger of recurring violence and retaliatory attacks in several communities.
The command cautioned not only those directly engaged in cattle theft but also individuals who buy, shelter, or profit from stolen livestock, stressing that such persons will be treated as accomplices in banditry and prosecuted accordingly.
“The Command therefore urges all residents to desist from such unlawful activities and to support security agencies by providing credible information that will aid ongoing operations,” the statement read.
While acknowledging the security concerns affecting parts of the state, including Apa, Logo, Katsina-Ala, Ukum, Gwer East, and Guma Local Government Areas, the police disclosed that clearance operations have already commenced to flush out criminal elements.
“In furtherance of its operational objectives, the Command has sustained the deployment of tactical teams to identified areas of concern, including hinterlands and other vulnerable locations, while also conducting targeted clearance operations to dislodge criminal elements,” the statement added.
The police noted that these ongoing efforts have resulted in the disruption of criminal networks, recovery of weapons, and a stronger security presence across the affected communities.
Residents were also cautioned against spreading false or unverified information, with the command urging the public to depend on official communication channels for accurate updates.
CP Emenari reassured the public of the command’s commitment to safeguarding lives and property, adding that anyone found guilty of criminal acts will be brought to justice.
