By 𝔸bdulrazak Tomiwa

The Benue State Police Command has issued a stern warning to cattle rustlers, ordering an immediate crackdown to curb the rising wave of livestock theft. Commissioner of Police Ifeanyi Emenari emphasized that anyone caught engaging in these criminal activities will face the full weight of the law without exception.

This directive was made public through a statement by the command’s spokesperson, DSP Udeme Edet. The police noted that intelligence reports have identified cattle rustling as a primary driver of communal violence and retaliatory attacks within the state, necessitating a more aggressive security approach.

The crackdown extends beyond the primary thieves to include those who facilitate the trade of stolen animals. The police warned that individuals who purchase, shelter, or profit from rustled livestock will be treated as accomplices to banditry and prosecuted alongside the rustlers.

Specific Local Government Areas, including Apa, Logo, Katsina-Ala, Ukum, Gwer East, and Guma, have been identified as high-risk zones. The command has already initiated clearance operations in these regions to flush out criminal elements hiding in the hinterlands and forests.

Tactical teams have been deployed to these vulnerable locations to strengthen the security presence and provide a swift response to any threats. These units are focused on disrupting criminal networks and reclaiming areas previously dominated by bandits and rustlers.

Early results from these operations have already led to the recovery of various weapons and the dismantling of several criminal hideouts. The police confirmed that these sustained efforts are designed to restore peace to the affected farming and herding communities.

The statement concluded by urging Benue residents to remain law-abiding and to cooperate with security agencies. Citizens are encouraged to provide credible information that can lead to the arrest of suspected rustlers to ensure the long-term stability of the state.