Benue Massacre: Police Nab 26 Suspects, Launch Border Security Operation

Abuja, Nigeria – The Nigeria Police Force has arrested 26 suspects in connection with the deadly attack in Yelwata, Benue State, which left over 200 people dead, the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, announced on Tuesday.

Addressing a press briefing in Abuja, the IGP confirmed that the arrests were part of ongoing efforts to bring perpetrators of the June massacre to justice. He added that police operations are continuing to track and apprehend other fleeing suspects involved in the coordinated violence.

Egbetokun emphasized that the Nigeria Police Force remains fully capable and is making strides in dismantling armed networks across the country. He noted that intensified border patrols have also been launched to curb the influx of illegal arms and irregular migrants contributing to rising insecurity.

In addition to the Yelwata arrests, Egbetokun revealed that 22 suspects were apprehended in Jos over the killing of nine wedding guests traveling to Quanpan. He stated that both groups of suspects will be charged in court soon.

He also clarified that two individuals initially detained in the Yelwata case were released after investigations revealed they were used to lure the main suspects into police custody.

“The Nigeria Police is not overwhelmed,” Egbetokun declared. “We are systematically recovering illegal weapons and neutralizing threats to public safety. These arrests mark significant progress in our commitment to justice and national security.”

The IGP assured citizens that law enforcement agencies will remain relentless in tackling violent crimes across the country.