By Bavoriat Clara
The Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, on Wednesday, 4 March 2026, visited the palaces of traditional rulers in Benue State as part of a strategic operational tour of the state and the wider North Central theatre.
The visit formed part of renewed military efforts to strengthen collaboration with community leadership and reinforce ongoing security operations in the region.
In a statement issued by the Acting Director Army Public Relations, Colonel Appolonia Anele, the visit underscored the Nigerian Army’s coordinated resolve to decisively flush out criminal elements destabilising Benue and neighbouring states.
During the engagement, Lieutenant General Shaibu reaffirmed the Army’s commitment to dismantling armed groups threatening lives and livelihoods across Benue, Nasarawa and Taraba states. He disclosed that the tour included a comprehensive assessment of Operation Whirl Stroke and the 401 Special Forces Brigade, both headquartered in Makurdi, aimed at recalibrating operations for greater effectiveness.
The Army Chief emphasised that beyond kinetic operations, the support of traditional institutions remains critical to achieving sustainable peace. He called on the Tor Tiv, His Royal Majesty Professor James Ortese Iorzua Ayatse, the Och’Idoma, His Royal Majesty Agabaidu Elaigwu Odogbo, and other traditional rulers to deploy their moral authority and grassroots influence to mobilise communities against criminality.
According to him, traditional leaders play a vital role in shaping public perception, promoting peaceful messaging and discouraging collaboration with criminal elements. He stressed that security is a shared responsibility, noting that enduring stability depends on communities rejecting violence and supporting lawful authority.
Lieutenant General Shaibu described Makurdi as a strategic military hub hosting elite formations whose lineage dates back to the 72 Special Forces Battalion and now the 401 Special Forces Brigade. He explained that Operation Whirl Stroke was established to harmonise the capabilities of the Nigerian Army, Navy and Air Force in responding swiftly to threats within the Middle Belt.
To reinforce ongoing clearance operations, he announced an increase in troop density along vulnerable corridors, particularly the Benue–Taraba axis, including the deployment of an additional battalion, alongside enhanced logistics, surveillance assets and rapid response capabilities.
In his response, the Tor Tiv, Professor James Ortese Iorzua Ayatse, commended the Nigerian Army for its resilience and sacrifices despite persistent security challenges. While acknowledging improvements in civil-military relations, he expressed concern over recurring attacks in border communities and called for more preventive security strategies.
He emphasised the importance of integrating grassroots intelligence into operational planning, noting that traditional rulers often receive early warning signals.
The Och’Idoma, His Royal Majesty Agabaidu Elaigwu Odogbo, who was out of the state on official engagement, conveyed goodwill and words of encouragement to the troops.
The visit signals a strengthened partnership between the Nigerian Army and traditional leadership in Benue State, reflecting a comprehensive approach that combines robust military action with credible intelligence, community mobilisation and strategic communication aimed at restoring lasting peace and stability across the North Central region.
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