New police chief pledges intelligence-led policing, community partnership to tackle crime

By Felix Umande, Makurdi

The Benue State Police Command has a new helmsman as Commissioner of Police CP Cletus C.N. Nwadiogbu psc(+), Mnips, PhD officially assumed duty on Thursday, 4th June 2026, as the 44th Commissioner of Police in the state.

The Benue Police Command disclosed this in a statement signed by Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Udeme Edet, on 5th June 2026.

CP Nwadiogbu, an indigene of Anambra East LGA, Anambra State, was born on 24th April 1968. He enlisted into the Nigeria Police Force on 10th June 1994 as a Cadet Assistant Superintendent of Police and has served over 30 years with distinction.

He holds a Bachelor of Arts (Hons) in Government from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, a Master of Science in International Relations, and a PhD in International Relations from the University of Uyo. He is also a member of the Nigerian Political Science Association.

The new CP has undergone extensive professional training including the Basic Police Mobile Force Course, Advanced Detective Course, Tactical Leadership and Command Course, and Strategic Leadership and Command Course.

Nwadiogbu has served across multiple states in operational, investigative, administrative, and command roles. After his one-year attachment at Obudu Division, Cross River State, he served as Officer-in-Charge of Yahe Police Station, Divisional Traffic Officer, and Divisional Crime Officer in Ogoja Division. He later served as DPO in several divisions across Akwa Ibom and Cross River States, including Odukpani, Nsit Atai, Mbo, Ibeno, Onna, Eastern Obolo, Uruan, Ugep, Ugeb, and Efut.

He also served as State Commander, Federal Highway Patrol, Akwa Ibom, and was among the pioneer investigators of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission, ICPC, in Abuja.

His performance earned him elevation to Assistant Commissioner of Police, Operations, Cross River Command; Area Commander, Okigwe, Imo State; Deputy Commissioner of Police, Finance and Administration, Taraba Command; and CP Courses and Training, Nigeria Police Academy, Wudil, Kano. Prior to his Benue posting, he was Deputy Commandant of POLAC, Wudil, where he mentored cadet officers.

Upon assumption, CP Nwadiogbu assured Benue residents of his commitment to intelligence-led policing, proactive crime prevention, community partnership, and protection of lives and property.

“The Command under my leadership will remain focused on combating all forms of crime and criminality while strengthening collaboration with other security agencies, traditional institutions, religious leaders, community stakeholders and law-abiding citizens in the collective pursuit of peace and security,” he said.

He urged residents to support the police with timely and credible information to enhance public safety.

The Benue Police Command welcomed CP Nwadiogbu and reaffirmed its commitment to professionalism, accountability, and quality service delivery in line with the Inspector-General of Police’s vision.

–AK-47 rifle Recovered from Crime Scene

By Isa Abdul, Abuja

Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command has saved a family from kidnappers who were to abduct them in the Byazhin area of Abuja.

and recovered an AK-47 rifle, ammunition and other exhibits following a prolonged exchange of gunfire with suspected kidnappers.

The attempt was in the early hours of Thursday, June 5, when the police team promptly responded. The operatives of the Command’s Anti-Kidnapping Unit following intelligence reports about the presence of armed criminals around the Redeemed Church area near Paze Hills in Byazhin quickly came to the scene.

According to the command’s Police Public Relations Officer, SP Josephine Adeh, the tactical team, led by the Officer Commanding the Anti-Kidnapping Unit, swiftly moved to the area after receiving credible intelligence.

The operatives upon arrival reportedly discovered that the suspects were trying to break into a residential building with the intention of abducting its occupants.

The police said the suspects opened fire immediately they sighted the approaching security team, triggering a fierce gun duel that lasted for about 30 minutes.

The operatives however overpowered the attackers and successfully foiled the abduction attempt. The criminals fled possibly sustaining varying degrees of gunshot injuries during the confrontation.

Items recovered at the crime scene were one AK-47 rifle, a magazine and seven rounds of live ammunition.

The would-be victims were simply identified as Mr. Samson and his wife. They were rescued unharmed and moved out of the area.

SP Adeh further said the couple had been taken to the General Hospital, Gwarinpa, where they received treatment for trauma-related distress before being placed under protective custody.

The Commissioner of Police, FCT Command, CP Ahmed Muhammed Sanusi, reacted by commending the officers for their courage and professionalism in preventing the kidnapping.

He further directed the deployment of enhanced surveillance and patrol operations within the area to prevent any further criminal activity, reassuring residents of their safety.

The Command reiterated its commitment to protecting lives and property across the Federal Capital Territory imploring residents to be vigilant and to continue providing timely information that could assist security agencies in combating crime.

The police also encouraged residents to make use of the FCT Police Command’s emergency lines whenever they observe suspicious activities within their communities.

Benue South residents, LG chairman raise alarm over rising abductions in Otukpo

By Felix Umande, Makurdi

A kidnap victim has alleged that armed herdsmen have set up a criminal hideout they call “Sambisa Forest” in Otukpo Local Government Area, Benue State, where abducted persons are held and ransom negotiations take place.

Mr. Akubobi Fabian made the allegation after regaining freedom following six days in captivity. He was abducted around 9 p.m. along the Ojano Road axis while returning home after purchasing goods.

Recounting the attack, Fabian said gunmen intercepted his vehicle near Ochobo Bridge, opened fire, burst a tyre, and forced passengers into the bush.

“We initially thought they were ordinary armed robbers who wanted to collect money, but they marched us deep into the forest,” he said. He added that he and other victims trekked through the night before arriving at the camp, where they were held under harsh conditions.

Fabian said the kidnappers demanded N10 million for his release, while others were asked to pay up to N20 million. He was released after his brother raised N1 million.

“They asked me to bring N10 million. Some people were asked to pay N20 million. My brother eventually raised N1 million, and after six days they released me,” he explained.

He alleged the captors repeatedly called the location “Sambisa Forest,” a name linked to the insurgent enclave in northeastern Nigeria. “The kidnappers told us they call the place Sambisa Forest. That is what they called the forest where they kept us,” Fabian stated.

The victim further claimed the camp is located behind the Idoma Doctors Association building in Otukpo and that the gunmen identified themselves as Fulani herdsmen operating freely in the area. He confirmed one person was killed during the attack after gunmen opened fire at a checkpoint.

The allegations have heightened fears over insecurity in Benue South, particularly along the Otukpo-Ojano corridor where residents have repeatedly complained of kidnappings and violent attacks.

A recent attack in Ojano also saw a man shot by gunmen. He was rushed to hospital but later died and was deposited in a mortuary.

Otukpo LGA Chairman Hon. Maxwell Ogiri confirmed the allegations in a telephone interview with Press Icon Newspaper. He said security agencies are already profiling the area and promised decisive action through collaborative efforts.

“I got to know about the place labeled as Sambisa Forest in the area when the kidnapping activities became much, as victims who were rescued after payment of ransom kept narrating stories,” Ogiri said.

He urged the Benue State and Federal Governments to intensify efforts against banditry and kidnapping in Otukpo so residents can live free from constant fear.