The Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, has announced the arrest of 26 individuals suspected of masterminding the deadly attack in Yelwata, Benue State.

Speaking at a press briefing in Abuja on Tuesday, the IGP confirmed that the police are pursuing additional suspects linked to the attack, which claimed 47 lives.

Egbetokun assured Nigerians that the police are not overwhelmed by the situation, noting ongoing efforts to recover illegal light and small arms across the country. He added that border patrols are being intensified to curb the influx of irregular migrants.

The IGP disclosed that the suspects would be charged to court soon, including 22 individuals arrested in Jos in connection with the murder of nine people travelling to Quanpan for a wedding.

Clarifying the numbers, he explained that while 28 people were initially detained, two were later cleared after being used as bait to apprehend the 26 key suspects.

On Sunday, joint security operatives in Benue State had announced arrests linked to the Yelwata attack. However, the state Commissioner of Police, Emenari Ifeanyi, withheld the identities of those in custody.

The arrests follow a directive from President Bola Tinubu last Wednesday, urging security agencies to swiftly apprehend those behind the attack.

“Police, I hope your men are alert to information. How come no arrest has been made? I expect arrests of those criminals,” Tinubu told the IGP during his visit to Benue.

Turning to other security chiefs, Tinubu added: “Christopher [Chief of Defence Staff], I’ve heard your efforts. You can’t be tired of staying in the bush. Oloyede and the Air Marshal, thank you all, but let’s get those criminals. DG NIA, DG SSS, retool your intelligence systems and ensure this doesn’t happen again.”

Gunmen, suspected to be herders, had attacked the Yelwata community in Guma Local Government Area last week, resulting in widespread displacement and deaths.