Police Launch Coordinated Crackdown On Bandits In Benue, Nasarawa, Plateau

The Assistant Inspector-General of Police in charge of Zone 4, AIG Dankombo F. Morris, has ordered a strategic and coordinated offensive against banditry and other violent crimes across Benue, Nasarawa, and Plateau states.

The directive followed broader operational guidance from the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, aimed at proactively addressing rising security threats within the zone.

According to a statement issued on Friday by the Zonal Police Public Relations Officer, Ayo Martins, the initiative was driven by intelligence-led policing and enhanced situational awareness. Authorities have identified key criminal hideouts, transit routes, and supply networks used by suspected offenders.

As part of the operation, Commissioners of Police in the affected states have been directed to deploy specialised tactical units to take control of high-risk areas, dismantle criminal networks, and maintain a consistent and visible security presence.

The AIG also stressed the importance of strengthening intelligence gathering and analysis to support swift, targeted interventions. Surveillance efforts—both overt and covert—were to be intensified in vulnerable locations, alongside intelligence-based stop-and-search operations.

In addition, police commands have been instructed to deepen collaboration with other security agencies through joint operations, a move expected to enhance coordination, improve intelligence sharing, and ensure a more effective response to security challenges.

Reaffirming his commitment to protecting lives and property, AIG Morris urged residents of the three states under Zone 4 to remain vigilant and cooperate with security agencies by providing timely and useful information.