IGP Disu Meets Benue Stakeholders, Vows Stronger Security and Intelligence-Driven Policing
MAKURDI, BENUE STATE — The Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Olatunji Rilwan Disu, has reaffirmed the Nigeria Police Force’s commitment to restoring peace and strengthening security across Benue State, pledging intensified intelligence-led operations and closer collaboration with communities to tackle the state’s persistent security challenges.
The assurance came during an official working visit to Benue State, where the IGP met with Governor Rev. Fr. Dr. Hyacinth Iormem Alia before presiding over a high-level security engagement at the State Government Banquet Hall in Makurdi.
The strategic meeting brought together an extensive cross-section of stakeholders, including traditional rulers, religious leaders, youth and women representatives, leaders of farmers’ associations, and senior security officials. Discussions focused primarily on finding sustainable solutions to the protracted farmer-herder conflict and other security threats affecting communities across the state.
Speaking during the meeting, IGP Disu acknowledged the complex security situation confronting Benue State, stressing that lasting peace can only be achieved through strong collaboration between security agencies and local communities.
He noted that one of the greatest threats fueling violence across several communities is the increasing circulation of sophisticated firearms in the hands of criminal elements.
According to the IGP, the widespread availability of illegal weapons has significantly contributed to recurring attacks, communal clashes, and violent crimes, making it more difficult for security agencies to protect lives and property.
He emphasized that addressing the menace requires not only effective policing but also active public participation through timely intelligence sharing.
“The success of every security operation depends greatly on credible information from members of the public,” he said, urging residents to report suspicious persons, unusual movements, and criminal activities without delay.
The Inspector-General assured stakeholders that the Nigeria Police Force is strengthening intelligence-driven policing to improve crime prevention and enhance rapid response to emerging threats.
He promised that every piece of credible information received from citizens would be treated with the highest level of confidentiality, encouraging residents particularly young people to cooperate with security agencies without fear of victimization.
According to him, protecting informants remains a priority because community trust is essential for successful policing.
He further stressed that policing should not be viewed as the responsibility of security agencies alone but as a shared responsibility involving government institutions, traditional authorities, religious organisations, local security outfits, and residents.
The IGP also called for stronger synergy between conventional security agencies and community-based security structures to improve intelligence gathering and operational effectiveness across Benue State.
During the engagement, IGP Disu commended Governor Hyacinth Alia for his administration’s continuous support for security agencies operating within the state.
He praised the state government’s efforts in providing logistics, encouraging community participation, and promoting collaboration aimed at improving public safety.
The Police chief described local support as a critical factor in the success of security operations and expressed optimism that stronger partnerships would produce lasting peace across Benue.
Responding, Governor Hyacinth Alia welcomed the Inspector-General’s visit, describing it as a significant demonstration of the Nigeria Police Force’s dedication to addressing Benue’s security concerns.
He noted that the IGP’s decision to conduct an on-the-ground operational assessment reflects the police leadership’s commitment to understanding the realities facing communities affected by insecurity.
Governor Alia reiterated that safeguarding the lives and livelihoods of Benue residents remains the foremost priority of his administration.
According to him, the government’s objective is to create an environment where citizens can live peacefully, cultivate their farms, conduct business, and pursue their daily activities without fear of violence or displacement.
The governor assured the Police leadership that the Benue State Government would continue providing the necessary support to security agencies to strengthen their operational capacity.
Governor Alia also praised the Commissioner of Police, CP Cletus C. Nwadiogbu, for what he described as his proactive leadership and sustained efforts to combat crime across the state.
He commended the police command for improving police-community relations while intensifying operations against criminal elements responsible for violent attacks and other security threats.
The governor expressed confidence that continued collaboration between the state government and security agencies would further enhance public safety.
The strategic meeting concluded with renewed calls for unity, dialogue, intelligence sharing, and coordinated security operations to confront insecurity in Benue State.
Stakeholders at the meeting emphasized the importance of addressing the root causes of conflict while strengthening mechanisms for early warning, conflict prevention, and community engagement.
The visit by the Inspector-General comes at a time when Benue continues to seek lasting solutions to recurring farmer-herder clashes and other security challenges that have affected farming communities and displaced thousands of residents over the years.
By engaging directly with traditional rulers, community leaders, youth representatives, women’s groups, and farmers, the Nigeria Police Force aims to build stronger public confidence while promoting a more inclusive approach to security management.
The Force reaffirmed that it remains committed to protecting lives and property across Nigeria through professionalism, intelligence-driven policing, respect for human rights, and strong partnerships with communities.
The statement was issued by CSP Anietie Okokon Edem Iniedu, Force Public Relations Officer, Force Headquarters, Abuja, on 24 July 2026.
