The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Olufemi Oluyede, has reaffirmed the commitment of the Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN) to sustaining peace-building and stabilisation efforts in Benue State and across the country.
General Oluyede gave the assurance during a courtesy visit by the Governor of Benue State, Reverend Father Hyacinth Alia, at the Defence Headquarters in Abuja.
In a statement issued by the Director of Defence Information, Major General Samaila Uba, Governor Alia congratulated the CDS on his appointment and commended the Armed Forces for their sustained security operations in Benue State.
He noted that the military’s visible presence and professionalism have significantly boosted public confidence and renewed hope for lasting peace, with noticeable improvements already recorded in the state’s security landscape.
The governor reaffirmed the Benue State Government’s readiness to deepen collaboration with the Defence Headquarters in tackling security challenges and restoring stability in affected communities.
He also sought additional military support for the state’s ongoing initiative encouraging non-state actors to voluntarily surrender their weapons.
Governor Alia specifically drew attention to lingering security concerns in the Sankera axis, encompassing Katsina-Ala, Zaki Biam and Logo Local Government Areas, stressing the need for sustained intervention to consolidate recent gains.
In his response, General Oluyede expressed satisfaction with the gradual but steady improvements in security across several parts of Benue State.
He attributed the progress to enhanced cooperation among security agencies, traditional institutions, community leaders and the state government.
According to the CDS, the evolving peace situation demonstrates that lasting stability is achievable when all stakeholders work in synergy with the security forces.
He emphasized that sustained collaboration, mutual trust and community engagement remain critical to restoring full normalcy in Benue and other troubled parts of the country.
General Oluyede disclosed plans to establish a formal engagement framework between the Armed Forces of Nigeria and the Benue State Government to strengthen coordination with local actors and consolidate existing security gains.
He further underscored the importance of non-kinetic approaches, including rehabilitation, reintegration and livelihood support for affected persons and repentant individuals.
While commending Benue State for its initiatives in this area, he urged the government to institutionalise durable support mechanisms to prevent a relapse into criminality.
The CDS assured that the Armed Forces would remain steadfast in supporting initiatives aimed at promoting enduring peace, reconciliation and socio-economic recovery in Benue State.
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