The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Olufemi Oluyede, has reaffirmed the unwavering commitment of the Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN) to supporting peacebuilding and stabilization efforts in Benue State, assuring that ongoing collaborative security measures are yielding positive results.
General Oluyede gave the assurance while receiving the Governor of Benue State, Reverend Father Hyacinth Iormem Alia, who paid a courtesy visit to him at the Defence Headquarters in Abuja.
During the visit, Governor Alia congratulated the Defence Chief on his appointment and commended the Armed Forces for their sustained operations aimed at restoring peace and stability in Benue State. He noted that the visible presence and commitment of the military have reassured residents and renewed confidence in the prospects for lasting peace, leading to noticeable improvements in the state’s security situation.
The governor pledged the continued readiness of the Benue State Government to partner with the Defence Headquarters in addressing security challenges and consolidating peace across affected communities. He also sought the support of the Defence Headquarters for the state’s ongoing initiative to encourage non-state actors to lay down their arms, with particular reference to the Sankera axis, comprising Katsina-Ala, Zaki Biam and Logo Local Government Areas.
In his response, General Oluyede expressed satisfaction with the relative improvement in security across several parts of Benue State, attributing the progress to enhanced synergy among security agencies, traditional rulers, community leaders and the state government. He observed that the improving peace situation demonstrates that sustainable stability is achievable when stakeholders work closely with security forces.
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The CDS emphasized that with sustained cooperation and trust, normalcy can be fully restored in all affected areas of the state and across the country. He disclosed plans to establish a structured interface mechanism between the Armed Forces of Nigeria and the Benue State Government to strengthen coordination with local stakeholders and ensure that security gains are consolidated and expanded.
General Oluyede also highlighted the importance of comprehensive non-kinetic approaches, including rehabilitation and livelihood support programmes for affected and reintegrated persons. He commended the Benue State Government for its disarmament initiative and urged the state to put in place enduring support measures to ensure seamless reintegration and discourage a relapse into criminal activities.
He assured that the Armed Forces of Nigeria would continue to support initiatives aimed at promoting long-term peace, reconciliation and socio-economic recovery in Benue State.
The visit was attended by senior officials of the Benue State Government and top military officers from the Defence Headquarters.
