…Presents motorcycles, TCV, others to penetrate rugged terrains
From Molly Kilete, Abuja
The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede, has deployed an additional 300 troops to volatile communities in Benue state.
Gen Oluyede has also ordered the immediate review of existing operational frameworks of Operation WHIRL STROKE, to curb the menace of incessant attacks and killings of innocent villagers by gunmen and other criminal groups.
The decision, he said, was in response of the Nigerian army to evolving security challenges and its resolve to dismantle armed groups terrorizing local communities.
Aside the deployment of troops, the COAS also presented a consignment of equipment comprising mobility and protective assets to enhance troop mobility, rapid response, and overall effectiveness in addressing emerging threats.
The deployment, the COAS said, was to reinforce security and operational capacity in the North Central region of the country. He made the presentation at the Headquarters of the Joint Task Force (JTF) in Makurdi during his working visit to Benue State.
The items delivered include over 100 motorcycles, Troop-Carrying Vehicles (TCVs), 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 COAS, who was in Makurdi, during the week, following the brutal killings of innocent villagers at Yelewata by herdsmen, reassured the government and people of Benue State and the North Central region of the unwavering support and commitment of the Nigerian Army to restore peace and stability in the region in the shortest possible time.
He said the Nigerian Army under his leadership would do everything in its powers to safeguard lives and property of all Nigerians.
While in Benue state, the Army Chief paid a courtesy visit to the state governor where he condoled with the people of the state over recent violent attacks that resulted in loss of lives and destruction of property.
The Force Commander of the Joint Task Force, Operation WHIRL STROKE, Major General Moses Gara, who commended the COAS for his timely support, said 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 emphasizes the Nigerian Army’s commitment to ensuring national security, promoting peace, and enabling social and economic development across the region. The leadership of the COAS continues to play a vital role in repositioning the force for effective internal security operations.