By: Titus Akor, Makurdi.
The Commissioner of Police Benue State Command, CP Cletus Nwadiogbu, has called on residents of the state to support security agencies by identifying and exposing individuals collaborating with bandits and criminal elements in their communities.
Nwadiogbu made the call on Monday while fielding questions from journalists at the Benue State Command Police Headquarters, Makurdi, revealed that some insiders have been providing information to bandits, with the aim of frustrating security operations.
He explained that such collaboration had become a major challenge in the fight against insecurity, as criminals often get prior information about security plans, strategies and either escape from targeted locations or prepare ambushes for security personnel.
According to him, intelligence gathering from recent operations revealed that some residents were working with criminal groups operating in parts of the state.
“Some people are giving them information. It is a major hindrance and a major factor. You go out, before you get to the location, they have already informed them,” Nwadiogbu disclosed.
He further explained that during a recent operation in Ayilamo, Logo Local Government Area, security personnel discovered that the criminals had taken over a community and had information about their movement.
The commissioner of Police said the development reinforced his decision to deepen community involvement in security efforts, stressing that the fight against criminality could no longer be left to security agencies alone.
“I have told the youths that this is no longer a security agency issue alone. Everybody should come out to support us to protect their communities,” he said.
Nwadiogbu urged residents to provide timely information to security agencies and resist the activities of those aiding criminals.
He also called on traditional rulers and community leaders to caution their subjects against supporting criminal elements, adding that he would engage stakeholders during his planned visits to communities across the state.
The commissioner said the primary responsibility of the police remained the protection of lives and property, adding that he had continued to remind officers and men of the command to remain focused on that mandate.
He attributed part of the command’s progress in tackling crime to early preparation and a clear operational focus, noting that he understood the security challenges in Benue before assuming office.
“Before coming here, I already knew what the environment was like. I prepared my mind that I was coming to a tough environment,” he said.
Nwadiogbu, however, clarified that the objective of security operations against terrorists and bandits was not merely to arrest or eliminate them but to reclaim communities and enable displaced residents return to their ancestral homes.
“Our major target is to move them away and allow the owners of the land to enjoy their ancestral homes. Let the men who were before have their families and children and feel free in their own land to go about their normal businesses,” he stated.
The Benue State Command Police Commissioner also appreciated the unwaivering support of the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Olatunji Disu, whom according to him had been assisting the command with intelligence and technological support.
Nwadiogbu further disclosed that efforts were ongoing to improve the command’s forensic and intelligence capabilities through the acquisition of modern technology.
He acknowledged the support of the Benue State Governor Rev. Fr. Dr. Hyacinth Alia to the command, adding that his prompt interventions had strengthened police operations in the state.
He encouraged Benue residents to continue cooperating with security agencies, assuring them that sustained collaboration would help restore peace across the state.
“Many days are for the thief, but one day is for the owner. It may not be immediate, but by God being on our side, we are going to achieve the result,” he said.
