Benue Police Arrest 176 suspects for crimes in July, recover arms and destroy bandit camps, restoring safety to communities across the state

Benue Police Arrest operations have led to the apprehension of 176 suspects in a far-reaching crime crackdown conducted throughout July.

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Commissioner of Police (CP) Ifeanyi Emenari announced the significant progress during a press briefing in Makurdi, highlighting the state command’s aggressive pursuit of criminals involved in cultism, armed robbery, banditry, theft, and homicide.

Out of the total arrests, 22 suspects were picked up for cult activities, and 26 for armed robbery, with others facing various serious charges.

The Benue Police Arrest initiative also yielded a powerful blow to illegal arms trafficking: 30 weapons, including four rocket launchers and 12 AK-47s, were recovered, alongside 4,000 rounds of ammunition, motorcycles, a tricycle, and vehicles used by criminals.

A particularly powerful development came with the destruction of all known bandit camps in Benue, allowing displaced locals to return to their ancestral homes and farms a sign of returning peace.

CP Emenari affirmed the force’s zero tolerance for criminal elements, revealing strategic redeployments and continuous operations, especially in the Otukpo and Sankara axes.

These areas remain hot zones where security forces are tightening their grip.

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The Benue Police Arrest campaign reflects renewed commitment to public safety and justice. Authorities say further arrests and prosecutions are imminent as operations continue.