Benue State Commissioner of Police, Cletus Nwadiogbu, has alleged that some local residents are collaborating with suspected terrorists operating in parts of the state, saying security operatives observed individuals fleeing as a joint operation advanced into affected communities.
Speaking during an interview on AIT News on Wednesday, 22 July 2026, while leading a joint security operation in the terrorist frontline in Logo Local Government Area, Nwadiogbu said the activities of the armed groups appear to be aided by persons within the local communities.
Highlighting the challenge facing security agencies, the commissioner said, “There are local people who are working with these people. As we were coming, we saw them running away.”
Nwadiogbu explained that the conduct of those seen fleeing raised concerns among security operatives and further strengthened suspicions that some residents may be providing support or information to the armed groups. He, however, did not disclose the identities of those involved or indicate whether any arrests had been made in connection with the allegation.
The police commissioner said the operation remains focused on dismantling the network of suspected terrorists and anyone found aiding or harbouring them. He stressed that collaboration between criminal elements and local accomplices poses a significant challenge to security efforts but assured residents that law enforcement agencies are committed to addressing the problem.
