COAS Rallies Traditional Leaders, Intensifies Offensive to Restore Peace in Benue

The Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, has rallied traditional leaders in Benue State to support ongoing military operations aimed at flushing out criminal elements and restoring lasting peace across the North Central region.

Lieutenant General Shaibu made the call on Tuesday during a visit to the palace of traditional rulers in Benue as part of a strategic operational tour of the state and the wider North Central theatre.

The Army chief said the visit reflects a renewed commitment by the Nigerian Army to dismantle armed groups and criminal networks threatening lives and livelihoods in Benue and neighbouring states.

According to him, the tour included a comprehensive assessment of Operation WHIRL STROKE and the 401 Special Forces Brigade, both headquartered in Makurdi, with the aim of recalibrating operations for greater effectiveness.

Shaibu emphasised that while the military will continue to apply decisive force against criminal groups, the support of traditional institutions is crucial for achieving sustainable peace.

He urged the Tor Tiv, James Ortese Iorzua Ayatse, and the Och'Idoma, Agabaidu Elaigwu Odogbo, alongside other traditional rulers in the state, to use their influence to mobilise communities against criminality.

“Security is a shared responsibility,” the COAS said, noting that lasting stability can only be achieved when communities reject violence, refuse to shield criminals and actively support lawful authorities.

He described Makurdi as a strategic military hub hosting elite formations whose lineage dates back to the 72 Special Forces Battalion, now restructured as the 401 Special Forces Brigade.

Shaibu explained that Operation WHIRL STROKE was established to harmonise the capabilities of the Army, Navy and Air Force in responding swiftly to security threats across the Middle Belt.

To reinforce ongoing clearance and stabilisation operations, he announced an increase in troop deployment along vulnerable corridors, particularly the Benue–Taraba axis, including the deployment of an additional battalion.

He added that logistics support, surveillance assets and rapid response capabilities have also been strengthened to protect communities, especially farmers affected by insecurity.

The Army chief further stressed the importance of intelligence-driven operations, early warning systems and sustained community engagement to prevent reprisals and break the cycle of violence.

With the country preparing for upcoming elections, he assured citizens that proactive security measures are being implemented to deter criminal actors and ensure a safe environment for democratic participation.

In his remarks, the Tor Tiv, Prof. Ayatse, commended the Nigerian Army for its resilience and sacrifices in confronting persistent security challenges.

While acknowledging improved civil–military relations, he expressed concern over recurring attacks in border communities and called for more preventive security strategies.

The monarch emphasised the need to integrate grassroots intelligence into military planning, noting that traditional rulers often receive early warnings of potential threats.