The Benue State Police Command has announced the assumption of duty of CP Cletus C.N. Nwadiogbu as the 44th Commissioner of Police in the state, with a pledge to strengthen security through intelligence-led policing, proactive crime prevention and closer collaboration with communities.
Nwadiogbu officially assumed office on June 4, 2026, according to a statement issued by the command’s Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Udeme Edet. The command said his deployment comes with a renewed focus on combating crime, improving public safety and protecting lives and property across Benue State.
The new commissioner, who hails from Anambra East Local Government Area of Anambra State, joined the Nigeria Police Force on June 10, 1994, as a Cadet Assistant Superintendent of Police. He has served for more than three decades in operational, investigative, administrative and command roles across several states.
A trained police officer and academic, Nwadiogbu holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Government from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, as well as master’s and doctorate degrees in International Relations from the University of Uyo. He is also a member of the Nigerian Political Science Association.
According to the police statement, he has attended several professional courses, including the Basic Police Mobile Force Course, Advanced Detective Course, Tactical Leadership and Command Course, and Strategic Leadership and Command Course.
Before his deployment to Benue, Nwadiogbu served as Deputy Commandant of the Nigeria Police Academy, Wudil, Kano State, where he was involved in the training and mentorship of cadet officers. He had also served in Cross River, Akwa Ibom, Imo and Taraba states, including as Divisional Police Officer, State Commander of the Federal Highway Patrol in Akwa Ibom, Assistant Commissioner of Police in charge of Operations in Cross River, Area Commander in Okigwe, and Deputy Commissioner of Police in Taraba.
The command said Nwadiogbu was also among the pioneer investigators of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission in Abuja.
On assumption of duty, the commissioner assured residents of his commitment to tackling crime and improving security across the state. He said the command would work closely with other security agencies, traditional rulers, religious leaders, community stakeholders and law-abiding citizens in the pursuit of peace.
He also appealed to residents to support the police by providing timely and credible information that could aid effective policing.
In a meeting with senior officers at the command headquarters in Makurdi, Nwadiogbu reportedly charged personnel to uphold professionalism, discipline, accountability and prompt response to distress calls, while directing improved patrols in strategic and vulnerable areas.
