The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt Gen Waidi Shaibu, has visited the palace of traditional leaders in Benue as part of a strategic operational tour to intensify efforts to flush out criminal elements destabilising the state and contiguous areas.
During the engagement, the COAS reaffirmed the Army’s commitment to dismantling armed groups and criminal networks threatening lives and livelihoods across Benue, Nasarawa, and Taraba States. He disclosed that the tour included a comprehensive assessment of Operation WHIRL STROKE and the 401 Special Forces Brigade, both headquartered in Makurdi, to recalibrate ongoing operations for enhanced impact.
Lt Gen Shaibu emphasized that traditional institutions remain pivotal to achieving sustainable peace and called on the Tor Tiv, His Royal Majesty Prof. James Ortese Iorzua Ayatse, and the Och’Idoma, HRM Agabaidu Elaigwu Odogbo, to lend their moral authority and grassroots influence toward mobilising communities against criminality.
The Army Chief announced an increase in troop density along vulnerable corridors, including the deployment of an additional battalion, and enhanced logistics support, surveillance assets, and rapid response capabilities to strengthen operational dominance and protect farming communities.
The Tor Tiv commended the Nigerian Army for its resilience and sacrifices, while the Och’Idoma sent his goodwill and words of encouragement to the troops. The visit signals a fortified partnership between the Nigerian Army and traditional leadership in Benue State, aimed at flushing out criminal elements and restoring lasting peace and stability across the North Central region.
