From Uche Nnorom, Makurdi
The Chief of Army Staff, COAS Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu has assured Benue State Government of the military’s continued commitment to restoring lasting peace in the state.
The Army Chief who gave the aaaurance on Thursday during a official visit to the state while paying a courtesy call to Governor Hyacinth Alia at Government House, Makurdi, revealed that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved the recruitment and training of over 28,000 troops within a year to strengthen the nation’s security architecture.
He said the Nigerian Army is also expanding its aviation assets to improve response time, including plans to provide helicopters for Operation Whirl Stroke, and
The Governor of Benue State, Hyacinth Iormem Alia, has commended the Nigerian Army and the Federal Government for their continued support in improving security in the state, as he received the Chief of Army Staff of Nigeria, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, during a courtesy visit at the Old Banquet Hall of Government House, Makurdi, on Thursday, 5th March 2026. The Army Chief was accompanied by the Sector Commander of Operation Whirl Stroke and other senior military officers.
He explained that the trip included operational visits to the headquarters of Joint Task Force Operation Whirl Stroke, the 401 Special Brigade, and other formations to assess operational readiness and address challenges faced by troops.
Lt Gen Shaibu disclosed that an additional battalion had already been deployed to Kwande Local Government Area to strengthen ongoing security operations.
He added that beyond kinetic operations, the Army is also pursuing non-kinetic strategies by engaging traditional leaders such as the Tor Tiv to improve community cooperation and intelligence gathering.
He commended Governor Alia for supporting troops with operational assets including drones, motorcycles, and vehicles, as well as for initiatives providing educational support to widows of fallen soldiers.
Governor Alia described the visit as a “homecoming,” noting that Lieutenant General Shaibu was returning to a state that contributed to his early upbringing. He appreciated the Nigerian Army and the administration of Bola Ahmed Tinubu for their commitment to national security, particularly in Benue.
The governor said the close collaboration between his administration and the military has helped to significantly reduce insecurity across the state.
According to him, when his government assumed office on May 29, 2023, about 17 out of the 23 local government areas were heavily affected by insecurity, but sustained efforts have reduced the number of high-risk areas to three, with relative peace now being experienced even in those locations.
The governor also highlighted recent engagements with Agbu Kefas, Governor of Taraba State, aimed at strengthening cross-border collaboration to tackle insecurity along their shared boundaries.
He recalled that following a previous security crisis in the state, the Federal Government responded swiftly to his appeal by deploying three battalions within 24 hours.
Governor Alia urged communities to support security agencies with credible intelligence, stressing that uniformed personnel should be seen as partners in safeguarding lives and property.
He further reiterated his administration’s commitment to supporting the families of fallen soldiers and emphasized that lasting peace would enable internally displaced persons to return to their ancestral homes.
