The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, Ph.D., NPM, has approved the creation of two additional Area Commands and the upgrade of five police stations to divisional status in Benue State, in a renewed effort to strengthen security and improve policing in hard-to-reach and volatile communities.
This development follows a comprehensive security assessment of the state, particularly in areas where operational gaps and recurring security threats have underscored the urgent need for stronger police presence and faster response times.
Under the new structure, the Daudu Area Command will cover the Guma, Daudu, Yelwata, and Agan Divisions, while the Naka Area Command will oversee Naka, Apa, Agatu, and Okpokolo Divisions. In addition, the police stations in Ayilamo, Yelwata, Jato-Aka, Okpokolo, and Agan have now been upgraded to full-fledged Divisional Headquarters.
According to the IGP, this strategic restructuring is aimed at enhancing police visibility, improving intelligence gathering, and ensuring timely response to distress situations, while also bringing policing services closer to residents in affected areas.
IGP Egbetokun tasked the Benue State Commissioner of Police and officers deployed to the new Area Commands and Divisions to demonstrate professionalism, diligence, and renewed commitment in tackling criminal activities and maintaining public order. He also called on residents and local stakeholders to partner with the Police in safeguarding their communities, stressing that “collaboration between the Police, the government, and the people remains crucial for sustainable peace.”
The Police Chief further directed Commissioners of Police in other states with similar security and terrain challenges to develop practical, community-driven policing strategies suited to their unique environments. He assured that the Force Headquarters would provide logistical support and operational resources to ensure effective and sustainable policing across the country.