The Chief of Army Staff, COAS, Lt. Gen. Olufemi Oluyede has promised that the Nigerian Army will bring to justice the perpetrators of the recent killings in Benue, Plateau and other parts of the country even as he delivered critical combat enablers and deployed additional 300 troops to boost manpower under the operation “Whirl Stroke”.
A credible source who pleaded anonymity told the News Agency of Nigeria that the deployment was in a significant effort to reinforce security and operational capacity in the North Central region.
The COAS was represented at the second quarter 2025 media chat organised by the Department of Civil-Military Affairs, Nigerian Army Headquarters, by Maj. Gen. Obinna Onubogu, General Officer Commanding 2 Div., Nigerian Army, who said that the military was fully committed to ending the spate of violence, particularly in North-Central Nigeria.
Oluyede, who said that the president had given clear orders, explained that they would remain engaged in Plateau, Benue, Kwara and quite a few states that were experiencing insecurity.
“We are out, fully deployed and tackling the menace head-on
“In Benue particularly, you will see in the coming weeks, very elaborate security arrangements to ensure that all that is going on there completely stops.
“Communities and local stakeholders should support military operations by sharing timely intelligence:
“The Army cannot be everywhere at once. Nigeria is a vast country, but we are not as large in number as many people believe.
“We rely heavily on the support and cooperation of the local population to provide timely and credible information.
“In some cases, unfortunately, the people are not extremely helpful in terms of the information they give out, which delays our reaction time. That must change if we are to win this fight together,” he said.
The COAS called on media personnel to verify facts before publication, and help in building national security and development to combat misinformation and sensational reporting,
He noted that the social media space, especially, is flooded with misinformation, disinformation and outright lies.
“So, we are appealing to the media practitioners to reach out to us before putting out unverified stories.
“We are satisfied with the support we’ve received from the media so far and we hope to deepen that synergy to ensure national security is not undermined by sensational reporting,” he said.
New Combat Mode
The fresh deployment to North Central states includes mobility and protective assets aimed at enhancing troop mobility, rapid response, and overall effectiveness in addressing emerging threats.
The COAS had during his recent visit to Benue, presented a consignment of equipment at the Headquarters of the Joint Task Force in Makurdi.
The items delivered, according to him, include over 100 motorcycles, Troop-Carrying Vehicles and personal protective equipment.
“These assets are designed to improve tactical agility, force protection, and combat readiness, particularly in difficult and rugged terrains where asymmetric threats are prevalent,” the source said.
NAN recalls that the COAS, while in Makurdi, reassured the people of the state and the wider North Central region of the Nigerian Army’s unwavering commitment to restoring peace and stability.
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He emphasised that under his leadership, efforts to safeguard lives and property would be intensified.
The Army Chief also paid a courtesy visit to the state government, where he extended heartfelt condolences over recent violent attacks that resulted in loss of lives and destruction of property.
Oluyede directed the immediate review of existing operational frameworks and the reinforcement of troop presence in volatile areas.
The decision, he said, reflects the Army’s responsive approach to evolving security challenges and its resolve to dismantle armed groups terrorizing local communities.
The Force Commander of the Joint Task Force, Operation WHIRL STROKE, Maj.-Gen. Moses Gara, appreciated the COAS for the timely support.
He noted that the newly inducted assets would be swiftly integrated into ongoing operations to expand operational reach, enhance situational awareness, and strengthen troop morale.
This latest intervention emphasises the Nigerian army’s commitment to ensuring national security, promoting peace, and enabling social and economic development across the region.
The source said that the army leadership under Oluyede had made significant progress in repositioning the force for effective internal security operations.
NAN reports that operation whirl stroke was launched on May 18, 2018, to counter armed herdsmen and militia groups in Benue, Nasarawa, Taraba and Zamfara.
NAN
