By Harriet Tornguvan
The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt. Gen. Waidi Shaibu, has reaffirmed the Nigerian Army’s commitment to decisively flush out criminal elements destabilising Benue State and the wider North Central region, as he embarked on a strategic operational tour of the state.
During a visit to the palaces of traditional rulers in Benue, the Army Chief underscored the importance of strengthening collaboration between the military and traditional institutions to achieve sustainable peace.
In a statement issued by the Acting Director, Army Public Relations, Col. Appolonia Anele, the COAS said his tour included a comprehensive assessment of Operation WHIRL STROKE and the 401 Special Forces Brigade, both headquartered in Makurdi, with a view to recalibrating ongoing operations for greater impact.
Lt. Gen. Shaibu reiterated the Army’s resolve to dismantle armed groups and criminal networks threatening lives and livelihoods across Benue, Nasarawa and Taraba states. He disclosed that troop density along vulnerable corridors, particularly the Benue Taraba axis, would be increased with the deployment of an additional battalion to reinforce clearance and stabilisation operations.
He further announced enhanced logistics support, improved surveillance assets and strengthened rapid response capabilities to boost operational dominance and ensure the protection of farming communities.
The Army Chief also emphasised that the support of traditional institutions remains pivotal to achieving enduring stability. He called on the Tor Tiv, His Royal Majesty Prof. James Ortese Iorzua Ayatse, and the Och'Idoma, HRM Agabaidu Elaigwu Odogbo, alongside other traditional rulers, to leverage their moral authority and grassroots influence in mobilising communities against criminality.
“Security is a shared responsibility,” the COAS stated. “While the Armed Forces will continue to apply decisive force against enemies of the state, enduring stability can only be achieved when communities reject violence, refuse to shield criminals and actively support lawful authority.”
He noted that Makurdi remains a strategic military hub, hosting elite formations whose lineage dates back to the 72 Special Forces Battalion and now the 401 Special Forces Brigade.
He explained that Operation WHIRL STROKE was established to harmonise the capabilities of the Nigerian Army, Navy and Air Force in responding swiftly to emerging threats across the Middle Belt.
Additionally, the Army Chief stressed the importance of intelligence driven operations, early warning mechanisms and sustained community engagement in preventing reprisals and breaking the cycle of violence. As the country approaches the general elections, he assured citizens that proactive measures are being implemented to deter criminal actors and guarantee a secure environment for the exercise of civic rights.
In his remarks, the Tor Tiv commended the Nigerian Army for its resilience and sacrifices in addressing persistent security challenges. While acknowledging improvements in civil-military relations, he expressed concern over recurring attacks in border communities and called for more preventive strategies.
The monarch advocated the integration of grassroots intelligence into operational planning, noting that traditional rulers often receive early indicators of threats. He urged structured collaboration between security agencies and traditional institutions to counter misinformation, build public trust and strengthen community confidence in ongoing operations. The Och’Idoma, who was out of the state on official engagement, sent his goodwill and words of encouragement to the troops.
The visit signals a strengthened partnership between the Nigerian Army and traditional leadership in Benue State, reflecting a comprehensive approach that blends robust military action with credible intelligence, community mobilisation and strategic communication aimed at restoring lasting peace and stability across the North Central region.
