Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt Gen Waidi Shaibu, has visited the palace of traditonal leaders in Benue as part of a strategic operational tour of Benue State and the wider North Central theatre.
The visit held on Wednesday nderscored a renewed, coordinated resolve by the Nigerian Army to decisively flush out criminal elements destabilising Benue and contiguous states.
During the engagement, the COAS reaffirmed the Army’s unwavering 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, with a view to recalibrating ongoing operations for enhanced impact.
Lt Gen Shaibu emphasised that beyond kinetic operations, the support of traditional institutions remains pivotal to achieving sustainable peace.
He called on the Tor Tiv, His Royal Majesty Prof. James Ortese Iorzua Ayatse and the Och’Idoma, HRM Agabaidu Elaigwu Odogbo and other traditional rulers across the state to lend their moral authority and grassroots influence toward mobilising communities against criminality.
According to him, traditional leaders play a critical role in shaping public perception, promoting peaceful messaging, and discouraging any form of collaboration with criminal elements.
“Security is a shared responsibility,” the Army Chief stated. “While the Armed Forces will continue to apply decisive force against enemies of the state, adding that enduring stability can only be achieved when communities reject violence, refuse to shield criminals and actively support lawful authority” the COAS averred.
