IGP Disu Pledges Intelligence-Led Crackdown on Armed Violence During Benue Security Summit By Okwo Romeon

Makurdi Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Olatunji Riliwan Disu has pledged to intensify intelligence-driven policing and strengthen collaboration with local communities to combat insecurity in Benue State, as part of renewed efforts to end the persistent farmer-herder conflict and other violent crimes.

The assurance came on Thursday during the IGP's official working visit to Benue State, where he paid a courtesy call on Governor Hyacinth Iormem Alia before presiding over a strategic security meeting at the State Government Banquet Hall in Makurdi.

The meeting brought together an array of critical stakeholders, including traditional rulers, religious leaders, youth and women representatives, leaders of farmers' associations, heads of local security outfits and other community representatives to deliberate on practical measures for restoring peace and improving security across the state.

Addressing the gathering, Disu described the unchecked proliferation of sophisticated firearms as one of the greatest threats to peace in Benue, noting that the availability of illegal weapons has fuelled repeated attacks on communities, loss of lives and destruction of livelihoods.

The police chief stressed that while security agencies remain committed to confronting criminal elements, sustainable peace cannot be achieved without the active cooperation of local communities.

He urged residents, particularly young people, to become partners in intelligence gathering by promptly reporting suspicious movements and criminal activities to security agencies.

Disu assured participants that all information supplied by members of the public would be handled with the highest level of confidentiality, encouraging citizens to provide credible intelligence without fear of victimisation.

The IGP further emphasised the need for stronger synergy among the Nigeria Police Force, other conventional security agencies and community-based security structures, describing inter-agency cooperation as essential to tackling the evolving security challenges confronting the state.

He commended Governor Alia for his continued support to security agencies and acknowledged the role of traditional institutions, religious leaders and community stakeholders in promoting dialogue and peaceful coexistence.

According to him, restoring security requires not only robust law enforcement but also the commitment of every segment of society to reject violence and support lawful efforts aimed at protecting lives and property.

Governor Alia, in his remarks, welcomed the IGP's visit, describing it as a demonstration of the Nigeria Police Force's resolve under Disu's leadership to confront insecurity through direct engagement with affected communities.

The governor reaffirmed his administration's commitment to providing every necessary support to security agencies operating in the state, insisting that protecting lives and creating a safe environment for farming, business and other economic activities remains a top priority of his government.

He noted that security is fundamental to the state's development agenda and expressed optimism that the renewed collaboration between the police, government and local communities would yield lasting results.

Alia also praised the Commissioner of Police, Benue State Command, CP Cletus C. Nwadiogbu, for what he described as his professionalism, operational leadership and efforts in strengthening police-community relations while combating crime across the state.

The strategic engagement comes at a time when Benue continues to grapple with recurring attacks linked to armed groups and the prolonged farmer-herder crisis, which has displaced thousands of residents and disrupted agricultural activities in several local government areas.

Observers say the meeting represents a renewed commitment by the Nigeria Police Force to adopt intelligence-led policing, deepen stakeholder engagement and reinforce public trust as part of broader efforts to restore lasting peace and stability in one of Nigeria's most affected states.

The Nigeria Police Force reaffirmed its commitment to safeguarding communities nationwide, maintaining professionalism in policing and working closely with governments and citizens to enhance national security.

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