The Chief of Army Staff Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja(COAS), has announced that the Nigerian Army (NA) will intensify the deployment of troops in Benue State during the remaining months of 2023. This move is aimed at combating the unlawful activities of bandits, armed herders, and various militia groups operating in the state. General Lagbaja made this commitment on Tuesday, October 30, 2023, in response to a request from the Executive Governor of Benue State, Reverend Father (Dr.) Hycinth Alia, during the latter’s visit to the Army Headquarters in Abuja.
The COAS revealed that the NA is currently reassessing the situation and security threats in Benue. He emphasized that the intervention is necessary due to the ongoing conflicts between herders and farmers, resulting in persistent attacks on one another and vulnerable communities in Benue and neighboring states.
General Lagbaja called on the Government and people of Benue State to support the non-kinetic operations of the NA, complementing their efforts to bring lasting peace and stability to the region. He expressed gratitude for the state government’s support and interventions in NA formations and units deployed within the state and assured that combat enablers would be provided to enhance the capabilities of these formations and units.
Governor Hyacinth Alia, in his remarks, advocated for the establishment of additional Forward Operations Bases (FOBs) in the state to address the security challenges posed by bandits and armed herders. The Governor highlighted the loss of lives and property in the hinterland due to the heinous activities of these groups and emphasized that Benue State faces security challenges because of its bordering proximity to contiguous states and the discovery of solid minerals in some local government areas.
He called for proactive measures to ensure peace and security in these troubled areas and commended the efforts of the NA, sister services, and other security agencies in combating security challenges, urging them to remain resolute