Presidency and police collaborate to curb banditry in Benue

Amid persistent security concerns in Nigeria’s North Central region, the Presidency and security authorities in Benue State are strengthening collaboration to curb banditry and restore stability in affected communities.

This renewed partnership formed a key focus of engagements during a three-day working visit to Benue State by the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Community Engagement (North Central), Dr. Abiodun Essiet, who held consultations with security leaders, traditional authorities and community stakeholders.

As part of the visit, Essiet paid a familiarisation call on the Benue State Commissioner of Police, Ifeanyi Emenari, where discussions centred on the security situation across various parts of the state and the need for stronger coordination between federal authorities and local security structures.

The presidential aide shared feedback gathered from community engagements across the state, including concerns raised by residents about banditry, displacement and safety in rural communities.

Responding, the police commissioner outlined ongoing operations by the state command to combat criminal groups, noting that the police were working closely with the Force Headquarters, the military, the state and local governments, other security agencies and community-based security networks.
According to him, the coordinated efforts are beginning to yield measurable results.

He disclosed that increasing numbers of internally displaced persons (IDPs) are leaving camps and returning to their communities as security operations intensify across affected areas.