…pledges intelligence-led policing

By Peter Duru, Makurdi

The Benue State Police Command has announced the assumption of duty of Commissioner of Police (CP) Cletus Nwadiogbu as the 44th Commissioner of Police in the state, with a pledge to strengthen security through intelligence-led policing and community collaboration.

CP Nwadiogbu officially assumed office on June 4, 2026, according to a statement issued by the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Benue State Command, DSP Udeme Edet.

The new police commissioner, a native of Anambra East Local Government Area,LGA, of Anambra State, joined the Nigeria Police Force as a Cadet Assistant Superintendent of Police on June 10, 1994, and has served the nation for more than three decades in various operational, investigative, administrative and command positions.

A distinguished academic and policing professional, Nwadiogbu holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Government from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, as well as Master’s and Doctor of Philosophy degrees in International Relations from the University of Uyo. He is also a member of the Nigerian Political Science Association.

The statement noted that the commissioner has undergone extensive professional training within the Nigeria Police Force, including the Basic Police Mobile Force Course, Advanced Detective Course, Tactical Leadership and Command Course, and Strategic Leadership and Command Course, among others.

Over the course of his career, he served in numerous capacities across Cross River, Akwa Ibom, Imo and Taraba states. His previous appointments included Divisional Police Officer in several divisions, State Commander of the Federal Highway Patrol in Akwa Ibom State, Assistant Commissioner of Police (Operations) in Cross River State, Area Commander in Okigwe, Imo State, and Deputy Commissioner of Police in Taraba State Command.

He was also among the pioneer investigators of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), Abuja.

Prior to his deployment to Benue State, Nwadiogbu served as Deputy Commandant of the Nigeria Police Academy (POLAC), Wudil, Kano State, where he played a key role in the training and mentorship of cadet officers.

Speaking on his assumption of duty, the commissioner assured residents of Benue State of his “commitment to improving security and safeguarding lives and property.”

According to the statement, CP Nwadiogbu pledged “unwavering commitment to intelligence-led policing, proactive crime prevention, community partnership and the protection of lives and property across the state.”

He further stressed that the command under his leadership would remain focused on combating crime while fostering stronger cooperation with other security agencies, traditional rulers, religious leaders and community stakeholders.

“The Command under his leadership will remain focused on combating all forms of crime and criminality while strengthening collaboration with other security agencies, traditional institutions, religious leaders, community stakeholders and law-abiding citizens in the collective pursuit of peace and security,” the statement said.

The commissioner also appealed to residents to support security efforts by providing timely and credible information to aid effective policing and enhance public safety.