The Inspector General of Police, Olatunji Disu, has directed that all tactical formations, including the Police Mobile Force, Special Protection Unit, Counter Terrorism Unit, and Special Intervention Squad in Benue, Nasarawa and Plateau States, be placed on red alert.
They are to maintain continuous patrols across forested areas, rural communities, major highways, places of worship, and other public venues across the three states.
This was disclosed by the Assistant Inspector-General of Police in charge of Zone 4, Dankombo Morris, through a statement issued on Friday by the Zonal Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Ayo Oluwaseun Martins, as part of a coordinated and strategic crackdown on banditry and other violent crimes across Benue, Nasarawa and Plateau States.
Zone 4 covers the three states, with its headquarters in Makurdi, the Benue State capital.
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The AIG said the directive is aimed at proactively tackling security threats, especially banditry and other violent criminal activities in the zone.
According to the statement, “Through a refined operational methodology driven by intelligence-led policing and comprehensive situational awareness, the Zone has meticulously identified and mapped criminal enclaves, transit corridors, and logistical supply networks used by suspected criminals.
“In view of this, the AIG has directed the Commissioners of Police of the respective states within the Zone to deploy specialised tactical units to establish dominance in these areas, dismantle criminal organisations, and maintain a visible and sustained policing presence across identified high-risk locations within the three states.
“The AIG further emphasised the necessity of intelligence-driven policing to improve information gathering and analysis, thereby enabling real-time support for targeted interventions.
“He also directed that both overt and covert surveillance operations should be intensified in vulnerable areas, supplemented by stop-and-search operations implemented strictly on credible intelligence.
“The AIG directs that Commissioners of Police should strengthen inter-agency collaboration through joint operations with other sister security agencies within their states, as this unified approach has the capacity to improve operational synergy, facilitate enhanced intelligence sharing, and ensure a prompt and effective response to security challenges throughout the zone,” the statement read in part.
The AIG further mandated sustained engagement with traditional institutions, community leaders, and local authorities to foster trust, encourage the flow of vital information, and reinforce grassroots security frameworks essential for effective crime prevention.
He added that all tactical formations, including the Police Mobile Force, Special Protection Unit, Counter Terrorism Unit, and Special Intervention Squad, have been placed on red alert and directed to maintain continuous patrols across forested regions, rural communities, major highways, places of worship, and other public venues.
He further directed supervisory officers to ensure discipline, operational efficiency, and accountability among personnel.
A comprehensive monitoring framework has also been activated across the zone, requiring regular situation reports to uphold operational vigilance and responsiveness.
He added that commanders at all levels have been informed that any lapses in supervision or dereliction of duty will attract appropriate disciplinary action.
The AIG Dankombo Morris assured residents of Benue, Nasarawa, and Plateau States of the Zone’s unwavering commitment to safeguarding lives and property, and urged citizens to remain security-conscious and to support ongoing efforts by providing timely and credible information to security agencies, especially through the Zonal Police Public Relations Officer at 08062352969.
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