Benue Security Watch Tv

COAS BOOSTS TROOP MORALE ON SALLAH DAY, VISITS OPERATION SAVANNAH SHIELD, DIRECTS SWIFT ACTION AGAINST CRIMINAL ELEMENTS IN KWARA AND NIGER STATES

The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, on Sallah Day, Thursday, 28 May 2026, charged troops of Joint Task Force North Central (JTF-NC) Operation SAVANNAH SHIELD (OPSS) to intensify ongoing operations aimed at decisively routing kidnappers, bandits, and other criminal elements threatening peace and security within the Joint Operations Area.

The COAS gave the charge while addressing troops at Sobi Barracks, Ilorin, during his maiden operational visit to the Headquarters, JTF North Central OPSS, in Kwara State.

Lieutenant General Waidi emphasized that the Nigerian Army remains resolute in its constitutional responsibility of safeguarding lives and property, stressing that troops have sustained operational momentum aimed at decisively denying criminal elements the freedom to terrorize innocent citizens, infiltrate communities, or undermine national security. He assured the troops that requisite combat enablers and operational resources are being deployed to enhance ongoing clearance operations and dismantle criminal hideouts across Kwara and Niger States.

The Army Chief further reaffirmed his commitment to the welfare of troops and their families, noting that improved welfare remains critical to sustaining high morale, operational effectiveness, and combat readiness. He urged the troops to remain disciplined, professional, and unwaveringly loyal to the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and the democratically elected government.

Benue Police Arrest Seven Suspected Kidnappers, Recover AK-47 Rifles, Stolen Lexus

The Benue State Police Command has recorded major breakthroughs in its ongoing operations against violent crimes, with the arrest of seven suspected kidnappers and armed robbers, recovery of arms and ammunition, and the uncovering of a suspected human trafficking and job racketeering syndicate.

According to a statement issued on Thursday by the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Udeme Edet, operatives of the Command’s tactical team carried out a special operation in Gboko Local Government Area on May 21, 2026, following credible intelligence.

During the operation, five suspected armed robbers and kidnappers were arrested after reportedly engaging police operatives in a gun duel before they were overpowered by the tactical team.

The police said items recovered from the suspects included two locally fabricated AK-47 rifles, two pistols, and rounds of live ammunition. The suspects are currently in police custody, while investigations have commenced at the State Criminal Investigation Department.

In another operation on May 22, operatives attached to the Otukpo Division intercepted and recovered a Lexus RX 350 vehicle allegedly snatched at gunpoint in Owerri.

Police said intelligence reports indicated that the vehicle was being moved through Benue State, prompting operatives to intercept it within the Otukpo axis. One suspect was arrested and is assisting investigators.

The Command also recorded a breakthrough in a kidnapping investigation in Ushongo Local Government Area involving a ransom demand of N7 million.

According to the statement, detectives began investigations after receiving a complaint that a young man had gone missing after accompanying a suspected acquaintance. The family later received a ransom demand from the abductors.

Police said one suspect was initially arrested, while further investigations aided by technical intelligence led to the arrest of two additional suspects in Katsina-Ala, including the purported victim who allegedly conspired in staging the kidnapping.

The suspects are currently in custody as investigations continue.

The police also disclosed that suspects linked to separate cases of alleged armed robbery and attempted culpable homicide in Ushongo LGA were arrested, while a stolen motorcycle connected to one of the incidents was recovered.

In another development, the Command uncovered a suspected human trafficking and job racketeering syndicate allegedly involved in deceiving young women with false promises of employment opportunities abroad.

Preliminary investigations revealed that some victims were allegedly trafficked and subjected to exploitation and abuse before escaping and returning to Nigeria.

Police confirmed the arrest of one suspect in connection with the syndicate, while efforts are ongoing to apprehend other members believed to be operating outside the country.

The Commissioner of Police, Ifeanyi Emenari, commended officers involved in the operations for their professionalism, gallantry, and resilience.

He reaffirmed the Command’s commitment to intensifying operations against kidnapping, armed robbery, human trafficking, and other violent crimes across the state, while urging residents to continue providing timely and credible information to security agencies.

The fight to secure Gwer-West is personal to our administration and we will not relent until our people can sleep peacefully and return safely to their farms.

Today, 19th May 2026, I arrived Tse-Ormin alongside military troops who will be stationed there to strengthen security across Tse-Adem in Makurdi local government, Mbalom in Gwer-East local government and the entire Ucha and Gyaluwa communities.

Our mission is clear, flush out every threat against our farmers, protect our ancestral land and restore confidence as the farming season begins.

I call on every son and daughter of Gwer-West to partner with us in this fight against insecurity even as we battle for political supremacy. Protecting our land is a collective responsibility, and together, we will overcome.

~ Ormin Torsar Victor
Capacity Chairman, Gwer-West Local Government Area.

Up next is Gaambe-Usha and Saghev/Ukusu.

Gwer west news.
Capacity Chairman, Ormin wrote

Earlier this morning, I led a security and logistics assessment tour through Tse Ugbadu in Saghev of Ukusu, passing through Tse-Abe Mbakyondu in Gbaage Tongov. The purpose of the visit was to evaluate key access routes and identify strategic locations for the deployment of security operatives.

I was accompanied by the Acting District Head of Saghev/Ukusu, Chief Akwan Joseph, and the Honorable Councilor representing Saghev/Ukusu Ward, Hon. Tartseer Damian.

This exercise forms part of ongoing efforts to gradually restore safe access to all communities in Gwer West Local Government Area, enabling residents to return to their ancestral homes, farmlands, and other abandoned locations that were previously deserted due to criminal herdsmen activities.

With the continued support and commitment of His Excellency, Governor Hyacinth Alia, there is growing hope that what once seemed impossible is now becoming achievable. The gradual restoration of peace and security is opening the door for displaced communities to return home and rebuild their lives.

Troops of Operation Fansan Yamma, deployed at FOB Dogon Dawa under 2 Battalion, arrested a suspected bandit, Ibrahim Adamu (32), during a snap checkpoint operation at Damari area, Birnin Gwari LGA, Kaduna State, at about 1804hrs on May 8.

The suspect was intercepted while riding a motorcycle. Troops recovered one AK-47 rifle magazine, three mobile phones, Indian h**p, and other personal belongings.

Preliminary checks on the suspect’s phones revealed incriminating photographs allegedly showing him in military-style attire posing with a PKT machine gun alongside other suspected bandits.

The suspect and recovered items were moved to Battalion Headquarters for further investigation. The area remains calm but unpredictable, with troops maintaining intensified surveillance and security operations.

~ Benue Security Watch TV

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