Nigeria's police launch 14-day operation in Benue State

Nigeria's Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, has announced a major 14-day security operation aimed at dismantling criminal networks and restoring peace in the violence-plagued Benue State. The announcement was made during a town hall meeting with stakeholders in the state capital, Makurdi, on Thursday, July 23, 2026.

Disu stated that President Bola Tinubu had directed security agencies to bring an end to the recurring violence, which he described as unacceptable and a source of sleepless nights for residents and security personnel. The police chief warned that only authorized security personnel are permitted to bear arms and vowed a crackdown on illegal firearms. He directed police officers to act decisively under Force Order 237 when confronted by armed criminals.

The special operation will target identified flashpoints across the state. Francis Iduh, a senior police official in charge of mobile policing, disclosed that security agencies had mapped 14 major areas for intensive operations. Communities listed for the stability and clearance patrols include Gbajimba, Arufu, Agasha, Kwande, Agatu, Naka, Otukpo, Makurdi, and Apa. The operation will focus on flushing out...