Oluyede Deploys More Troops, Combat Enablers to Strengthen Security in North-Central

The Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Olufemi Olatubosun Oluyede, has deployed additional troops and delivered key combat enablers to military formations in the North-Central region, as part of renewed efforts to tackle growing insecurity in the area.

During a visit to Makurdi, Benue State, on Friday, the Army Chief handed over operational vehicles, over 100 motorcycles, protective gear, and communication equipment to troops under Operation Whirl Stroke.

The initiative is aimed at enhancing troop mobility, intelligence gathering, and rapid response in remote and conflict-prone communities.

Lt-Gen Oluyede said the move was in response to recent violent attacks that have claimed dozens of lives in Benue, Nasarawa, and other parts of the North-Central.

He emphasized the Nigerian Army’s commitment to restoring peace and safeguarding law-abiding citizens.

“We are committed to ensuring the safety of every Nigerian. These deployments and resources are tailored to strengthen operations and dismantle all threats to national security in the North-Central region,” Oluyede said.

He also visited the Benue State Government House, where he expressed condolences over the recent spate of killings and assured the state of continued military support. Governor Hyacinth Alia, in his response, commended the Army for its swift intervention and called for sustained action against violent groups operating in rural communities.

Commander of Operation Whirl Stroke, Major General Moses Gara, said the new combat enablers would significantly improve the capacity of troops to access difficult terrains and respond more effectively to emergencies.

He noted that the motorcycles and mobile vehicles would boost patrol operations, especially in areas where conventional vehicles are less effective.

The Nigerian Army has recently intensified internal security efforts across the country. Earlier this month, over 6,000 new recruits were deployed to support ongoing counter-insurgency and anti-banditry campaigns nationwide.

Security experts have described the latest move as timely, given the repeated attacks on communities in the region.

They noted that increased troop presence and mobility could help reverse the trend of violence and rebuild public confidence in the military’s capacity to protect lives and property.