Police warn cattle rustlers of legal consequences if they continue

The Benue State Police Command has issued a stern warning to individuals involved in cattle rustling, urging them to cease these activities or face strict legal consequences. 

This caution was delivered by the Commissioner of Police, Ifeanyi Emenari, in a statement released on Wednesday, April 15, through the command’s spokesperson, DSP Udeme Edet.
 

According to the police, intelligence reports and ongoing investigations indicate that cattle rustling has been a primary trigger of recurring violence and retaliatory attacks within the state. The command cautioned that not only those directly engaged in theft but also individuals who buy, shelter, or profit from stolen livestock will be treated as accomplices in banditry and prosecuted accordingly.

While acknowledging security concerns in local government areas such as Apa, Logo, Katsina-Ala, Ukum, Gwer East, and Guma, the police disclosed that clearance operations have already commenced to flush out criminal elements. In furtherance of its operational objectives, the command has sustained the deployment of tactical teams to identified areas of concern, including the hinterlands and other vulnerable locations.

These ongoing efforts have resulted in the disruption of criminal networks, the recovery of weapons and illicit arms, and a strengthened security presence across the affected communities.
 

The command urged residents to support security agencies by providing credible information that will aid ongoing operations.

 Residents were also cautioned against spreading false or unverified information, with the police emphasizing that the public should depend exclusively on official communication channels for accurate updates to avoid undermining security efforts.

CP Emenari reaffirmed the command’s commitment to safeguarding lives and property, adding that anyone found guilty of criminal acts, directly or indirectly, will be brought to justice as a collaborator in banditry.