COAS storms Benue Palace, Deploys More Troops to Crush Criminal Networks in North Central

The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt. Gen. Waidi Shaibu, on Tuesday, March 4, 2026, paid a strategic visit to the palace of traditional rulers in Benue State as part of his operational tour of the North Central theatre, declaring a renewed and coordinated offensive to flush out criminal elements destabilising the region. 

The visit formed part of a comprehensive assessment of military operations in the state, particularly Operation WHIRL STROKE and the 401 Special Forces Brigade headquartered in Makurdi. The Army Chief said the tour was aimed at recalibrating ongoing operations for greater efficiency and impact across Benue, Nasarawa and Taraba States.

Addressing the royal fathers, Lt. Gen. Shaibu reaffirmed the Nigerian Army’s unwavering commitment to dismantling armed groups and criminal networks threatening lives and livelihoods in the Middle Belt. He stressed that while decisive force would continue to be applied against enemies of the state, sustainable peace requires active community participation.

“Security is a shared responsibility,” the COAS stated. “Enduring stability can only be achieved when communities reject violence, refuse to shield criminals and actively support lawful authority.”

He specifically called on the Tor Tiv, James Ortese Iorzua Ayatse, and the Och’Idoma, Agabaidu Elaigwu Odogbo, to leverage their moral authority and grassroots influence to mobilise communities against criminality. According to him, traditional rulers play a critical role in shaping public perception, promoting peaceful messaging and discouraging collaboration with criminal elements.

The COAS highlighted Makurdi’s strategic military significance, noting that it hosts 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 emerging threats within the Middle Belt. 

To reinforce clearance and stabilisation efforts, Lt. Gen. Shaibu announced an increase in troop density along vulnerable corridors, particularly the Benue–Taraba axis, including the deployment of an additional battalion. He disclosed that logistics support, surveillance assets and rapid response capabilities have been significantly enhanced to strengthen operational dominance and safeguard farming communities.

He further emphasised the importance of intelligence-driven operations, early warning mechanisms and sustained community engagement to prevent reprisals and break the cycle of violence. As the nation approaches the general elections, the Army Chief assured citizens that proactive security measures are in place to deter criminal actors and guarantee a safe environment for the exercise of civic rights.

In his response, the Tor Tiv, Prof. Ayatse, commended the Nigerian Army for its resilience and sacrifices amid persistent security challenges. While acknowledging improvements in civil-military relations, he raised concerns over recurring attacks in border communities and called for more preventive security strategies.

The monarch underscored the need to integrate grassroots intelligence into operational planning, noting that traditional institutions often receive early warning signals of impending threats. He advocated structured collaboration between security agencies and royal institutions to counter misinformation, build public trust and strengthen community confidence in ongoing operations.

The Och’Idoma, HRM Agabaidu Elaigwu Odogbo, who was out of the state on official engagement, conveyed his goodwill and words of encouragement to the troops.

The visit signals a fortified partnership between the Nigerian Army and traditional leadership in Benue State — a comprehensive approach that combines robust military action with credible intelligence, community mobilisation and strategic communication aimed at isolating criminal elements and restoring lasting peace across the North Central region.