By Isaac Kertyo, Makurdi
The Assistant Inspector-General of Police (AIG) in charge of Zone 4, Makurdi, Zacharia Fera Achinyam, has inspected the burnt Police Mobile Force (PMF) Base in Makurdi, directing a thorough and diligent investigation into the circumstances surrounding the fire incident that razed the facility.The inspection took place on Monday, January 6, 2026, following the outbreak that damaged parts of the Police Mobile Force Base, raising security and safety concerns within the Benue State capital.
According to a press statement issued by the Zonal Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), ASP Ayo Oluwaseun Martins, the AIG conducted an on-the-spot assessment of the affected base to evaluate the extent of damage and ensure appropriate response measures were initiated.During the visit, AIG Achinyam was received by the Commissioner of Police, Benue State Command, CP Ifeanyi Emenari, alongside the Commanding Officer of the 13 Police Mobile Force Base, Makurdi. The statement noted that the AIG expressed deep concern over the incident and emphasized the need for an immediate and transparent investigation to establish the cause of the fire.“
During the inspection of the base, the AIG expressed concern over the incident and consequently directed the Commissioner of Police, Benue State Command, to immediately commence a thorough and diligent investigation to unravel the circumstances surrounding the fire outbreak,” the statement said.The AIG stressed that identifying the root cause of the incident is crucial not only for accountability but also for preventing similar occurrences in the future and strengthening operational safety within police formations.
He further assured officers and residents that the situation had been brought under control and that normal security operations in Makurdi and its environs would not be disrupted as a result of the incident. AIG Achinyam urged members of the public to remain calm and continue with their lawful activities, reassuring them that adequate security measures had been put in place to maintain peace and protect lives and property.
The police leadership also reiterated its commitment to transparency, noting that the outcome of the investigation would guide necessary administrative or operational actions once concluded.While details of the damage and possible casualties were not disclosed, security sources indicated that the prompt response by authorities helped prevent further escalation of the incident. The Benue State Police Command has continued to strengthen internal safety protocols, particularly in sensitive formations such as Police Mobile Force bases, which play a critical role in internal security and emergency response.
The development comes amid renewed efforts by the Nigeria Police Force to improve infrastructure safety, operational readiness, and public confidence through swift response to incidents and decisive leadership actions.Further updates are expected as investigations progress and official findings are made public.
