By Nkechi Eze
In a decisive move to consolidate peace in the Middle Belt, the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt Gen Waidi Shaibu, on Wednesday, 4 March 2026, visited the palaces of traditional rulers across Benue State as part of a strategic operational tour. The visit, confirmed in an official statement by Acting Director Army Public Relations, Colonel Appolonia Anele, highlighted the Nigerian Army’s renewed commitment to eliminating criminal elements that continue to destabilise Benue and neighbouring states.
During engagements with community leaders, Lt Gen Shaibu reaffirmed the Army’s determination to dismantle armed groups and criminal networks threatening the lives and livelihoods of citizens across Benue, Nasarawa, and Taraba States. He said the tour included a detailed assessment of Operation WHIRL STROKE and the 401 Special Forces Brigade, both headquartered in Makurdi, to recalibrate ongoing operations for maximum impact.
Emphasising the critical role of traditional institutions in sustaining peace, the COAS called on the Tor Tiv, His Royal Majesty Prof. James Ortese Iorzua Ayatse, the Och’Idoma, HRM Agabaidu Elaigwu Odogbo, and other monarchs across the state to use their moral authority and grassroots influence to mobilise communities against criminality. “Security is a shared responsibility,” Lt Gen Shaibu said. “While the Armed Forces will continue to apply decisive force against enemies of the state, enduring stability can only be achieved when communities reject violence, refuse to shield criminals, and actively support lawful authority.”
The Army Chief noted that Makurdi remains a strategic military hub, hosting elite formations whose lineage dates back to the 72 Special Forces Battalion. He described Operation WHIRL STROKE as a multi-service initiative integrating the Army, Navy, and Air Force to respond swiftly and effectively to emerging threats in the Middle Belt.
To reinforce stabilisation efforts, Lt Gen Shaibu announced an increase in troop density along vulnerable corridors, particularly the Benue–Taraba axis, including the deployment of an additional battalion. He also highlighted significant enhancements in logistics, surveillance, and rapid response capabilities to strengthen operational dominance and safeguard farming communities.
He further stressed the importance of intelligence-driven operations, early warning mechanisms, and sustained community engagement to prevent reprisals and break the cycle of violence. With the nation approaching general elections, the COAS assured citizens that proactive measures are being implemented to guarantee a secure environment for civic participation.
In his remarks, the Tor Tiv commended the Army for its resilience and sacrifices, while urging the integration of grassroots intelligence into operational planning. He emphasised that traditional rulers often receive early indicators of threats and called for structured collaboration between security agencies and local leadership to counter misinformation, build public trust, and strengthen confidence in ongoing operations. The Och’Idoma, HRM Agabaidu Elaigwu Odogbo, sent words of goodwill and encouragement to troops during an official engagement outside the state.
The visit underscores a fortified partnership between the Nigerian Army and traditional leadership in Benue, signalling a comprehensive strategy that blends robust military action, credible intelligence, community mobilisation, and strategic communication. This integrated approach aims to isolate criminal elements from local support networks, ultimately restoring lasting peace and stability across the North Central region.
