The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede, has relocated to Makurdi, the Benue State capital, following the persistent killings of innocent villagers by suspected herders and armed militia groups.
The wave of attacks, which has become a near-daily occurrence in recent weeks, has left dozens dead, many injured or maimed, and several homes and communities destroyed—forcing thousands to flee their homes.
Worried by the rising insecurity, the army chief departed Abuja on Tuesday morning alongside his Principal Staff Officers (PSOs) and other senior personnel from Army Headquarters to personally assess the security situation in Benue.
Military sources told TVCNEWs that the COAS’s visit is aimed at obtaining first-hand information, coordinating response efforts, and boosting troop morale amid the ongoing crisis.
As part of immediate actions, General Oluyede has ordered the deployment of additional troops to reinforce existing formations and intensify operations against the armed groups terrorizing communities across the state.
During his stay, the Army Chief is expected to hold strategic meetings with operational and unit commanders to review the current security operations, address gaps, and draw up new strategies to end the killings.
He will also visit affected villages and operational bases to interact with troops on the frontline and reassure residents of the Nigerian Army’s commitment to restoring peace and protecting lives and property.
Sources also hinted that General Oluyede may implement strategic changes in the command structure, including the possible redeployment of some field commanders, to improve operational effectiveness.
General Oluyede is expected to remain in Benue for several days and may personally lead some frontline operations—just as he did recently in Borno State.
It will be recalled that the COAS had previously relocated to Borno following a resurgence of terrorist attacks. His presence and direct engagement with troops were credited with significant successes in counter-insurgency operations, leading to the recapture of several terrorist strongholds.
