Nigerian army vows to end insecurity soon in Benue

…laud Gov. Alias performance 

From Attah Ede, Makurdi 

Participants in the Senior Course 48 of the Nigerian Army and Staff College (AFCSC), Jaji, Kaduna, on Tuesday said that insecurity will soon be a thing of the best in Benue state..

The team acknowledged the Benue State Government’s sustained efforts toward strengthening peace, security and community engagement.

The leader of the delegation, Brigadier General Mohammed Abdullahi made this remark during their engagement and interactive session with officials and staff of Makurdi local government council of the State as part of the college’s nationwide study tour.

Brigadier General Abdullahi who was represented by Navy Capt M. Usman explained that Benue State was deliberately selected for the exercise because of the environment being affected by insecurity in recent times.

He explained that the visit was part of the college’s annual Nigerian Study Tour designed to expose participants to practical governance and security realities across selected states in Nigeria.

Speaking with journalists shortly after the interaction with  stakeholders, Capt Usman alluded that this year’s study tour is with the theme “Promoting Community Engagement for Enhanced National Security and Prosperity”,

He stated that the college considered it part of its responsibility to contribute practical ideas toward addressing contemporary national challenges through research and policy engagement.

“What we do from time to time is identify major national issues and task our students to study them critically. We have engaged with all the security agencies across State to study measures put in place to sustain peace, security, and development.

“From what we have gathered, it is expected we will go back and put them inform of recommendation that would enhance national security and development. 

“I can assure you that Benue State is going to benefit from tour. Very soon, the issue of insecurity will be come things of the past”, he stated.

He explained that the study tour was designed to provide participants with firsthand information on governance, security management, and community engagement initiatives being implemented across selected states in Nigeria.

The leader of the team however, announced that the delegation comprises of 57 male and four female senior military officers, directing staff, and participants drawn from the Armed Forces of Nigeria as well as friendly foreign countries, including Ghana, the Republic of Benin, and Chad.

In address, the Executive Chairman of Makurdi local government council, Me. Joseph Keffi, noted that the lessons from community engagement are vital in shaping effective national security policies and strategies.

He  assured the Army forces of the full cooperation and support of Makurdi Local Government, saying that his government would remain committed to partnering with the Armed Forces and all stakeholders in promoting peace, unity, and national development.

Mr. Keffi commended Benue State  Governor, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia, for his unwavering support towards the development, peace, and security of Makurdi Local Government and Benue State at large, saying that his commitment to infrastructure, community welfare, and security interventions continues to make a positive impact on Benue people.

The chairman further commended the leadership of the Armed Forces Command and Staff College, Jaji, for sustaining this valuable tradition of intellectual engagement and practical learning, 

He added that the theme of this study tour, “Promoting Community Engagement for Enhanced National Security and Prosperity,” is timely and highly relevant to the realities facing communities across Nigeria today.

“We recognize that security goes beyond military operations alone. Sustainable peace can only be achieved through strong collaboration between government, security agencies, traditional institutions, and the people.

To strengthen community participation, we have continued to engage traditional rulers and community leaders in peacebuilding, conflict resolution, and grassroots intelligence gathering. 

“We have also supported community vigilance groups to work in synergy with security agencies within the framework of the law. 

Recognizing that unemployment and poverty contribute significantly to insecurity, our administration has prioritised youth empowerment through vocational and agricultural training programmes”, Keffi maintained.