Insecurity: COAS Oluyede, PSOs, others relocate to Benue, vow swift end to herders’ killings
…Deploys additional troops, logistics to combat bloodshed
…Defence Chief links escalating insecurity to porous borders with Sahel neighbours
…Tinubu’s reforms signal new era — Information Minister, others
The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede, has relocated to Benue state capital, Makurdi. Accompanied by his Principal Staff Officers (PSOs) and other senior military commanders, Oluyede is personally overseeing efforts to end the bloody killings perpetrated by herders and militia groups.
Speaking on arrival, the COAS stated, “We have deployed additional troops and logistics to give the militia and other armed groups terrorising Benue the battle of their lives.” His visit marks a critical escalation in military operations aimed at restoring peace to communities that have suffered deadly attacks.
In his interactions with troops and local residents, Oluyede reassured, “The Nigerian Army is fully committed to protecting the lives and property of law-abiding citizens in Benue. We are here to ensure your safety and restore peace to the communities affected by these senseless attacks.”
The COAS plans to visit villages recently attacked to offer support and reaffirm the army’s protective role.
Expressing deep dissatisfaction with the ongoing bloodshed, Oluyede warned, “I am unhappy with reports of continuous killings in Benue. We may undertake strategic redeployments of some commanders to strengthen operational effectiveness.” He pledged that no stone will be left unturned in halting the violence.
On the broader issue of Nigeria’s security challenges, Defence Chief of Staff General Christopher Musa, speaking at a security conference in Abuja, identified Nigeria’s porous borders as a critical vulnerability.
He stressed, “Border management is very critical,” citing the example of other nations: “Other countries, because of the level of insecurity they have, had to fence their borders.” He referred to Pakistan’s 1,350 km fence with Afghanistan and Saudi Arabia’s 1,400 km barrier with Iraq as successful precedents.
Musa emphasised the urgency of the issue: “It is Nigeria that everybody is interested in. That is why we need to secure fully and take control of our borders. It is critical for our survival and sovereignty.”
The Defence Chief’s call for comprehensive border fencing underscores the challenges posed by militant infiltration from neighbouring Sahel countries, Niger, Cameroon, Benin, and Chad, which are themselves battling escalating insurgencies.
The recent surge in attacks in Benue, described by many as ethnic cleansing, has left scores dead, thousands displaced, and numerous homes burnt. Last weekend alone, gunmen killed 43 people across several communities in Gwer West and Apa Local Government Areas.
The relocation of COAS Oluyede to Benue signals the Nigerian Army’s determination to bring an end to the cycle of violence. The Chief of Army Staff is expected to remain in the state for several days, personally leading operations and coordinating with security agencies to restore law and order.
…Tinubu’s reforms signal new era — Information Minister, others
Meanwhile, the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, says that President Tinubu’s two-year track record stands as clear proof of visionary leadership. Other speakers called on Nigerians to actively join the fight against insecurity and corruption.
He stated this during a high-level forum on citizen engagement and security in Abuja.
Hosted by the Voice of Nigeria (VON), the event convened top government officials, security chiefs, media executives, and civil society representatives under the theme “One Voice, One Vision: Uniting Perspectives for a Stronger Nigeria.”
Speaking at the forum, the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, affirmed that the Tinubu administration’s performance over two years offers undeniable proof of bold, reform-driven leadership. According to Idris, the current administration has delivered unprecedented progress, which he credited to courageous policy choices and sustained engagement with Nigerian citizens.
“Just last week, we commemorated the second anniversary of the Tinubu administration with ample proof of its monumental positive impact,” Idris said.
“No preceding government has ever achieved what the Tinubu administration has achieved in two years: the courage to vanquish the monster of oil subsidy and the forex racket, massive road infrastructure projects, the introduction of a groundbreaking students’ loan scheme, and the creation of CreditCorp, all of which are restoring confidence in our young population.”
He also pointed to other transformative efforts including local government autonomy, ministries for regional development, and what he described as the most significant boost to agriculture in decades: the creation of the Federal Ministry of Livestock Development.
“These reforms are already producing results,” Idris continued. “Food prices are easing, insecurity is being brought under control, and for the first time in decades, the impact of governance is reaching the grassroots.”
He maintained that national unity and public trust are essential to national security. “There can be no national security without national unity. And there can be no unity without trust. In times of uncertainty and insecurity, our greatest weapon is not force, it is trust between the governed and those who govern,” he said.
The Minister praised the Voice of Nigeria for its evolving role as a national narrative-shaper and identity-builder, saying: “VON is not just broadcasting news, but shaping narratives and forging national identity. Whether it is in Hausa, Yoruba, Igbo, or English, in Berlin or Birnin Kebbi, the voice of Nigeria is heard, respected, and trusted, echoing authoritatively from within a united people and secured territory.”
Calling for meaningful cooperation among institutions and sectors, Idris noted that the dialogue reflected a broader vision of collaborative governance. “This forum brings together government, media, civil society, and the security community—not in silos, but in synergy. Not to talk at each other, but to listen to each other,” he said.
He urged participants to embrace diversity not as a challenge, but as a collective strength. “Nigerians do not need uniformity to be united. This dialogue stands as a symbol of what is possible: a space where differences are not erased, but embraced as part of a collective solution,” Idris declared. “Let us leave here with more than ideas. Let us leave with commitment—a renewed commitment to truth in our media and institutions, equity in our policies, transparency in our governance, and compassion in our communities.”
Reinforcing the Minister’s message, the Executive Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Mr Ola Olukoyede, called on all Nigerians to take ownership of the country’s security challenges. Represented by Commander CE Wilson Uwujaren, the EFCC’s Director of Public Affairs, Olukoyede made it clear that national security is not the exclusive burden of armed forces and intelligence agencies.
“We cannot make real success in the fight against insecurity in this country if we leave that fight to our armed forces alone,” he stated. “Every Nigerian has a role to play in ensuring peace across the country. The fight is not only for the police, the DSS, or EFCC, it is our collective responsibility.”
Olukoyede also drew attention to the often-overlooked link between corruption and insecurity. “If there's no integrity in the use of public resources, we cannot make headway in the fight against insecurity. What the EFCC does is intricately tied to the efforts of the military and other security agencies,” he said.
He applauded VON for organising what he called a strategic and timely gathering. “This engagement is an opportunity to gather ideas that will improve both security and governance. There’s more we can do when we put our hands together.”
In his own remarks, the Minister of Information reiterated the media’s duty to uphold truth while reporting responsibly and in the interest of national unity. “The media must say what is true and accurate, but also remember that it is operating within the context of Nigeria. Irresponsible reporting that fragments and destabilises the country serves no purpose,” he cautioned.
Delivering remarks on behalf of the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, the NSA’s Director of Legal Services, Zakari Mijinyawa, described the event’s theme as a vital call to action. “National security is not the sole responsibility of the armed forces or government institutions. It is a shared duty that we all have as citizens of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. A secured Nigeria is not built merely on guns and guards, but on trust, vigilance, and the daily commitment of Nigerians,” he said.
The Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, serving as Special Guest of Honour, echoed these sentiments. He urged citizens to deny terrorists the support systems they need to operate. “We should stop supporting them by cutting off the things they need to thrive. What would be your gain if your country fails?” he asked. “Many people expected Nigeria to disintegrate by now, but we are still standing and thriving a decade later.”
Director-General of VON, Jibrin Baba Ndache, described the forum as more than a policy platform. “This is about creating action. It’s a strategic space for inclusive dialogue among media, security agencies, civil society, traditional and religious leaders, and youth representatives,” he said.
The event was attended by a wide array of dignitaries including the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Prof. Nentawe Goshe Yilwatda; Corps Marshal of the Federal Road Safety Commission, Shehu Mohammed; Director-General of the National Press Council, Dr Dili Ezugha; Director-General of the National Orientation Agency, Malam Lanre Issa-Onilu; President of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations, Dr Ike Neliaku; former Chief of Army Staff, General Yusuf Tukur Buratai; Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Information and National Orientation, Mr Ogbodo Chinasa, Nnam; and the Etsu of Kwali.
Students, parents, and youth representatives were also urged to see themselves as the frontline of Nigeria’s national security efforts.