Alia Backs 14-Day Security Sweep in Benue, Renews Call for State Police During IGP Disu’s Visit
Benue State Governor, Rev. Fr. Dr. Hyacinth Iormem Alia, has pledged the state government’s full support for a proposed 14-day security operation aimed at confronting terrorists and other criminal elements across the state.
Governor Alia announced the commitment after receiving the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, and his delegation in Benue on Thursday for an operational assessment visit and strategic town hall engagement on security.
In a statement published on his official Facebook page, the governor described the protection of lives, communities and livelihoods as the highest priority of his administration. He said the state would continue working with the Nigeria Police Force, the Armed Forces, other security agencies, traditional rulers and community leaders to improve safety across Benue.
The visit came amid continuing efforts by the state and federal authorities to strengthen security in vulnerable communities, restore confidence among residents and support displaced people seeking to return to their ancestral homes.
A major issue raised by Governor Alia during the engagement was the establishment of State Police in Nigeria.
According to the governor, the national conversation should move beyond whether State Police is necessary and focus instead on the legal, institutional and operational framework required to make it effective.
Alia argued that security personnel drawn from or stationed close to local communities would be better positioned to understand the people, terrain, movement patterns and security threats peculiar to each area.
His position reflects growing calls for a more decentralised policing structure capable of responding quickly to emerging threats. However, implementing State Police would require clear legislation, sustainable funding, professional recruitment, proper training, accountability mechanisms and safeguards against political interference or abuse.
The governor maintained that local knowledge remains vital to effective security operations, especially in rural communities where difficult terrain and limited infrastructure can affect response time.
Alia said his administration had continued to provide operational vehicles, motorcycles, communication equipment and other logistical support to security agencies working in the state.
Beyond equipment, the governor identified intelligence gathering, inter-agency cooperation and coordinated security operations as essential components of the state’s strategy against terrorism and organised crime.
Security agencies often depend on information from residents to identify suspicious movements, unfamiliar individuals and activities capable of threatening communities. Alia consequently appealed to Benue residents to provide credible and timely information to relevant authorities.
He stressed that security should not be viewed solely as the responsibility of uniformed personnel, describing it as a collective duty involving government institutions, community leaders and citizens.
The governor also commended the Inspector-General of Police and the Benue State Commissioner of Police for promoting community policing and youth engagement. He described both approaches as important tools for building trust, preventing crime and securing lasting peace.
Governor Alia assured the Inspector-General that the Benue State Government would support the proposed 14-day security sweep across the state.
Although the governor’s statement did not provide detailed operational information, he indicated that the exercise would be directed at denying terrorists and other criminal groups safe havens within Benue.
The administration’s support is expected to include logistics, intelligence sharing and coordination with relevant security formations and local authorities.
The governor said the state would remain firm in confronting individuals and groups responsible for attacks, displacement and other criminal activities affecting communities.
He also expressed appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for what he described as the Federal Government’s continuing support towards addressing security challenges in Benue.
According to Alia, cooperation between the federal and state governments, security agencies and local communities remains central to restoring stability and preventing criminals from establishing operational bases in the state.
The governor reaffirmed his commitment to ensuring that internally displaced persons return safely to their ancestral communities.
Years of insecurity have disrupted farming activities and forced residents from several communities to seek safety elsewhere. For a state widely recognised as Nigeria’s “Food Basket,” prolonged displacement also carries serious implications for agricultural production, household incomes and food availability.
Alia said it was encouraging that many displaced residents had already returned to their communities to participate in the current farming season.
He promised that the state government would continue supporting returning farmers with agricultural inputs and necessary security measures. The objective, he explained, is to ensure that residents can rebuild their lives and resume farming without fear of renewed attacks.
However, the success of any return programme will depend on sustained security presence, early-warning systems, humanitarian assistance and the restoration of essential services in affected communities.
Governor Alia appealed to every Benue resident to support security agencies by sharing credible information through appropriate channels.
He warned that withholding information about suspicious activities could weaken efforts to prevent attacks and apprehend criminal elements.
The governor said his administration would continue working towards a Benue where families can sleep peacefully, farmers can return to their fields without fear and communities can pursue economic activities without intimidation.
He maintained that the state government would not relent until criminal groups were denied access to every part of Benue.
The Inspector-General’s operational assessment visit and the proposed security sweep are expected to test the strength of coordination between federal security agencies, the Benue State Government and local communities.
For residents who have endured repeated disruptions to their lives and livelihoods, the immediate expectation will be that the latest commitments translate into visible, sustained and accountable security improvements.
Source attribution: This report is based on a statement published on the official Facebook page of the Executive Governor of Benue State, Rev. Fr. Dr. Hyacinth Iormem Alia. The details and positions attributed to the governor were drawn from that statement and rewritten in ClearFact News’ independent editorial format. Full credit for the original information goes to Governor Hyacinth Alia and the Benue State Government.
The visit was also confirmed through the Benue State Governor’s official social account.
