Emenari Ifeanyi has praised Hyacinth Alia for his dedication to combating armed herdsmen and banditry.
The Commissioner of Police made the commendation to Alia today while briefing journalists in Makurdi, highlighting that the police are collaborating closely with other security agencies to protect rural communities across the state.
He also lauded the support of the governor Alia, local authorities, vigilante groups, and community youths, describing their cooperation as vital to enhancing security throughout Benue State.
“The Governor does not sleep. He is always on our neck and he makes provisions for all that we need”.
CP Emenari said security agencies are firmly on top of the security situation in the state, assuring residents that concerted operations are ongoing to eliminate criminal elements.
He stressed that the security forces have continued to respond promptly to emerging threats, particularly banditry linked to armed herders and local bandits in parts of the state.
He noted that the police, military, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, and the Benue State Civil Protection Guard are carrying out regular joint patrols across communities.
Emenari said the Nigeria Police Force has also deployed its air component to provide aerial support for ongoing operations, while tactical teams remain active in vulnerable areas of the state.
He confirmed that a recent attack by bandits in communities of Asakpa, Ojantele and Okpete in Apa Local Government Area on June 13 led to the death of six villagers.
He explained that security operatives, working alongside troops of Operation Whirl Stroke, launched a coordinated operation, including drone surveillance, to track down the attackers who fled into nearby forests.
He said additional security reinforcements, including the Special Intervention Squad and the Counter Terrorism Unit of the police, have since been deployed to the area to prevent further attacks.
CP Emenari also cautioned against the politicization and exaggeration of security incidents, urging residents to provide useful information to security agencies instead.
Also speaking, a representative of Operation Whirl Stroke disclosed that additional troops have been deployed to Kwande Local Government Area to secure vulnerable communities and block entry and exit routes used by criminals.
In a statement on Monday by the Chief Press to the Governor, Sir.Tersoo Kula, both security leaders expressed confidence that ongoing joint operations would further restore peace and stability across Benue State.
