The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Olufemi Oluyede, has reaffirmed the Armed Forces of Nigeria’s (AFN) steadfast commitment to supporting peace-building and stabilisation efforts in Benue State and across the country.
The assurance came during a courtesy visit by Benue State Governor, Reverend Father Hyacinth Alia, to the Defence Headquarters in Abuja on Friday, January 30, 2026.
In a statement by the Director of Defence Information, Major General Samaila Uba, Governor Alia congratulated General Oluyede on his appointment and commended the Armed Forces for their ongoing operations to enhance security in Benue.
The governor noted that the military’s visible presence and dedication have significantly boosted public confidence, rekindled hope for enduring peace, and led to tangible improvements in the state’s security landscape.
Alia reiterated the Benue State Government’s readiness to deepen collaboration with the Defence Headquarters in tackling security challenges, particularly in troubled areas such as the Sankera axis (covering Katsina-Ala, Zaki Biam, and Logo local government areas).
He specifically appealed for additional backing for the state’s programme encouraging non-state actors to voluntarily surrender weapons.
In response, General Oluyede expressed satisfaction with the progressive security gains in parts of Benue, crediting the improvements to enhanced synergy among security agencies, traditional rulers, community leaders, and the state government.
He emphasised that “sustained collaboration and mutual trust can help restore full normalcy in all affected parts of the state and the country at large.”
The CDS announced plans to establish a formal engagement framework between the AFN and the Benue State Government to improve coordination with local stakeholders and build on current security successes.
He highlighted the importance of non-kinetic approaches, including rehabilitation and livelihood support for reintegrated individuals and affected communities, to prevent relapse into criminality.
General Oluyede commended Benue’s initiatives in this area and urged the state to implement sustainable support systems.
He concluded by assuring continued military support for programmes aimed at “enduring peace, reconciliation and socio-economic recovery in Benue State.”
The meeting shows growing federal-state partnership in addressing persistent security concerns in Benue, a state long plagued by farmer-herder clashes and communal tensions.
