Nigeria’s Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Olufemi Oluyede, has reaffirmed the Armed Forces of Nigeria’s (AFN) commitment to stabilising Benue State, announcing plans for a structured coordination mechanism between Defence Headquarters and the state government to consolidate recent security gains.
Desk: Security & Defence
Date: 30 January 2026
Time: 19:30 WAT
Location: Abuja, Nigeria
The assurance was given during a courtesy visit by Benue State Governor, Reverend Father Hyacinth Iormem Alia, at the Defence Headquarters in Abuja, according to Defence Headquarters briefings.
Governor Alia congratulated General Oluyede on his appointment and credited sustained military operations with noticeable improvements in security across Benue, noting that renewed military presence has restored public confidence and encouraged a return to normalcy in previously volatile communities.
The governor reaffirmed the state government’s willingness to deepen collaboration with Defence Headquarters, particularly in addressing lingering security challenges and consolidating peace in affected areas. He also sought military support for the state’s non-kinetic initiative encouraging armed non-state actors to surrender, with particular focus on the Sankera axis covering Katsina-Ala, Zaki Biam, and Logo local government areas.
Responding, General Oluyede attributed recent security improvements to enhanced synergy between the military, other security agencies, traditional institutions, community leaders, and the Benue State Government, noting that coordinated stakeholder engagement remains central to sustainable peace.
The Defence Chief disclosed plans to establish a formal interface between the AFN and Benue State authorities to strengthen coordination with local actors, improve intelligence flow, and ensure that security gains are maintained and expanded.
He further emphasised the importance of non-kinetic measures, including rehabilitation, reintegration, and livelihood support for affected persons, urging the state government to institutionalise long-term support structures to prevent relapse into violence or criminality.
General Oluyede assured that the Armed Forces would continue to support initiatives aimed at long-term peacebuilding, reconciliation, and socio-economic recovery in Benue State and beyond.
The engagement reflects a growing shift toward integrated security governance, combining military operations with political leadership, community engagement, and reintegration frameworks.
Defence Headquarters and Benue State authorities are expected to operationalise the proposed coordination mechanism to deepen peacebuilding efforts and sustain stability in flashpoint areas.
Tags: Nigeria Security, Defence Headquarters, Benue State, Peacebuilding, Civil-Military Relations
Hashtags: #NigeriaSecurity #BenueState #Peacebuilding #DefenceHQ #ZigDiaries
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