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From Scholastica Hir, Makurdi
The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu has disclosed that President Bola Tinubu has approved the recruitment and training of 28,000 troops within one year to strengthen the nation’s security architecture.
The Army Chief diaclosed this during a visit to Benue State Governor, Rev. Fr.Hyacinth Alia, at Government House, in Makurdi, yesterday .
Lieutenant General Shaibu said his visit to the state was both official and personal, describing it as a return to a place that shaped his childhood education.
He explained that the trip include: operational visits to the headquarters of Joint Task Force Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS) the 401 Special Brigade, and other formations to assess operational readiness and address challenges faced by troops.
He disclosed that an additional battalion has already been deployed to Kwande LG to strengthen ongoing security operations, adding that beyond kinetic operations, the Army is also pursuing non-kinetic strategies by engaging traditional leaders ,such as the Tor Tiv to improve community cooperation and intelligence gathering. He commended Governor Alia for supporting troops with operational assets, including drones, motorcycles and vehicles, as well as for initiatives providing educational support to widows of fallen soldiers. He noted that the army is also expanding its aviation assets to improve response time, including plans to provide helicopters for Operation Whirl Stroke, and assured the Benue State of the military’s continued commitment to restoring lasting peace in the state.
Responding, Alia commended the Army and the Federal Government for their continued support in improving security in the state.
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He described his visit as a “homecoming,” noting thst Shaibu was returning to a state that contributed to his early upbringing.
He appreciated the Army and the administration of Bola Tinubu for their commitment to national security, particularly in Benue state , saying that close collaboration between his administration and the military has helped to significantly reduce insecurity across the state.
He noted that when his government assumed office on May 29, 2023, about 17 of the state’s 23 local governments were heavily affected by insecurity, but sustained efforts have reduced the number of high-risk areas to three, with relative peace now being experienced even in those locations.
The governor also highlighted recent engagements with the Governor of Taraba State, Agbu Kefas, aimed at strengthening cross-border collaboration to tackle insecurity along their shared boundaries.
He recalled that following a previous security crisis in the state, the Federal Government responded swiftly to his appeal by deploying three battalions within 24 hours.
He urged communities to support security agencies with credible intelligence, stressing that uniformed personnel should be seen as partners in safeguarding lives and property.
He further expressed his administration’s commitment to supporting the families of fallen soldiers and emphasised that lasting peace would enable internally displaced persons to return to their homes.
