By Chidiebere Ugwu
The Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja has said the Nigerian Army (NA) would surge troops’ deployment in Benue State in the few months that wrap up the year 2023, in an effort to curb the illicit activities of bandits, Armed herders and other militia groups in the state.
According to a statement by Brigadier General Onyema Nwachukwu, Director Army Public Relations, Gen Lagbaja gave the assurance on Tuesday 30 October 2023, while responding to a call by the Executive Governor of Benue State, Reverend Father (Dr) Hycinth Alia to establish an additional Battalion and Forward Operations Bases in Benue State, during the later’s visit to the Army Headquarters, Abuja.
The COAS, who disclosed that the NA is reviewing the activities and threat disposition in Benue, stated that the intervention becomes necessary due to the recalcitrance of Herders and Farmers, who incessantly attack each other and vulnerable communities in Benue and contiguous states.
He also called on the Government and people of Benue state to support NA’s non-kinetic operations to compliment the NA efforts in bringing lasting peace and stability to the state. Gen Lagbaja expressed appreciation to the Government for its support and interventions in NA formations and units deployed in the state.
He assured that Combat enablers will be provided to enhance the capacity of the formation and units deployed in and around the state for effective operations.
Governor Hyacinth Alia in his remarks had advocated for the establishment of additional Forward Operations Bases (FOB) in the State to curtail security challenges orchestrated by bandits and Armed herders.
The Governor noted, that lives and property have been lost, especially in the hinterland through the atrocious activities of bandits, herders and other armed groups.
He clarified that Benue State is prone to security challenges, as a result of its borders with contiguous states and the discovery of solid minerals in some local government areas of the state and called for proactive steps to ensure peace and security in trouble prone areas.
Governor Alia lauded the troops of the NA, sister services and other security agencies for their sacrifices in combating security challenges, urging them not to relent.
