The Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja, has promised to escalate security interventions to Benue State by increasing the capacity and Capabilities of troops with more combat enablers for effective response mechanism to security challenges.
General Lagbaja disclosed this when he recieved the executive Governor of Benue State Rev Father Hycianth Alia at the Army Headquarters Abuja on Tuesday 31st October 2023.
The COAS who said the Army Headquarters is in a position to boosting the troops of 401 Brigade along and additional combat enablers equally appreciated the Government and people of Benue for being wonderful host to the Nigerian Army formations in the state.
The Army Chief pointed out that he has reviewed security situation in Benue but promised to do his best to ensure lasting peace in the troubled areas of the state. He however pointed out that any intervention to be given to Benue has to be extended to sorrounding states of Nasarawa and Taraba for effective handling.
General Lagbaja clarified to the Governor that the executive and the national assembly has to facilitate in funding before Forward Operation Bases can be established in the state as requested by the Governor. He however promised that once the Nigerian Army is done with the coming off circle elections, attention will turn to Benue and other troubled states with a view to strengthening the capacity of the troops their.
On the request by the Governor Hycianth to stretch the reach of OPERATION WHIRL STROKE, the Army Chief promised him that he will draw the attention of the Defence Headquarters as the operation is carried out under the auspices of Defence Headquarters.
"I have taken not of the fact that our troops cling to the high way, though I know why, we will discourage that and push them into the interlands where people need them to enable them engage in farming and other economic activities"
"Your Excellency I want to sincerely thank you for your support to Nigerian Army formations and units, if the Benue state government can do more in area of non kenetic approach in dialogue to encourage peaceful existence. I assure you that the Nigerian Army is committed to bringing peace to tge Benue"
General Lagbaja therefore appeal to the Governor and the people of the state to continue to suport and provide intellegence for the troops to carry out their duties effectively.
Earlier, the Executive Governor of Benue State Rev. Fr. Hycianth Alia, had expressed concern over the inability of farmers to still go to farms freely in his state that is predominantly farmers.
Rev. Father Hycianth who stressed that the killings in Benue state continue to take place in the interlands as most security formations are situated on the high way, prayed the Chief of Army Staff to establish certain strategic formations in some of the locations of concern.
"Most fertile parts of the Benue valleys are still inaccessible to farmers due to the threats of bandits, violence from armed herders and at least two or more people are killed as a result of these violence from these groups. 401 Special Force Bridgade are trying their best but their deployment remains on the main road, a number of time while the killings continue in the interlands. We are also hampered by insufficient manpower and patrol vehicles"
"Sir our prayer to you is for the Forward operation Basis to be established in six different locations located in six mentioned local government areas. Our second prayer is for 41 Special Force Brigade and Operation WHIRL STROKE be provided with additional man power, armoured and patrol vehicles to imorove their reach"
Rev. Father Hycianth who noted that he recognised that the Nigerian Army is stretched, promised that as a government, they are ready to render all necessary support to the security agencies within the state to succeed.
The Benue Governor expressed concern that the discovery of some solid minerals in some locations in the state are likely to increase state of insecurity in those points. He therefore prayed the Chief of Army Staff that proactive steps be taken in that regard to avoid such from arising.
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