The Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, has announced the arrest of 53 suspects connected to the recent deadly attacks in Benue and Plateau states, which left scores dead and several others displaced.

Speaking to journalists at the Force Headquarters in Abuja, the IGP said the police made:

26 arrests tied to the Yelewata killings in Benue State,

22 suspects linked to the Plateau attacks, and

5 others arrested for related incidents in Benue.

These arrests came after President Bola Tinubu issued a strong directive during his visit to Makurdi, asking the IGP and the Chief of Defence Staff to find and arrest the perpetrators without delay.

“How come no one has been arrested for committing this heinous crime in Yelewata? The criminals must be arrested immediately,” President Tinubu demanded.

Timeline of Arrests and Recoveries

The IGP shared a detailed timeline of the breakthroughs:

On June 19, two masterminds of the Yelewata massacre were captured.

By June 20, seven more were arrested in a follow-up operation.

On June 21, a key suspect who hosted the meeting that planned the attack was taken in.

June 22 brought another big win, with 18 more suspects arrested.

By June 23, police recovered two general-purpose machine guns and eight AK-47 rifles used in the attack.

“These arrests were based on solid intelligence and swift tactical deployment,” Egbetokun said. “All 26 suspects connected to Yelewata have confessed and are now in custody.”

Justice in Motion

Egbetokun added that legal proceedings have already been finalized and the suspects will be arraigned in court promptly.

“We are committed to justice. Anyone involved in attacking communities—whether planner or executioner—will be tracked and brought to book.”

This swift response, following the President’s pressure, has been widely praised as a turning point in the handling of violent attacks in rural areas. Many see it as a much-needed sign that the federal government is listening and taking action.