By NivoNews | June 3, 2025
Makurdi, Benue State — In a bold and urgent response to the escalating wave of deadly attacks by armed herdsmen and militia groups in Benue State, the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede, has officially relocated to Makurdi, the state capital, as the Nigerian Army intensifies efforts to restore peace and security in the region.
Sources confirmed that Lt Gen Oluyede departed Abuja early Tuesday morning, accompanied by his Principal Staff Officers (PSOs) and other high-ranking military officials from Army Headquarters, to carry out an on-the-ground assessment of the worsening security crisis.
His relocation signals a major operational shift and a heightened level of military engagement in one of Nigeria’s most volatile conflict zones.
The COAS’s visit comes amid near-daily reports of killings, injuries, destruction of homes, and mass displacement in several rural communities across Benue.
Eyewitnesses and local leaders have described the attacks as relentless, with victims often caught off guard during night raids or ambushes on farmlands and roads.
Addressing military formations upon arrival, General Oluyede directed the immediate deployment of additional combat-ready troops across key flashpoints in the state.
“We will confront and crush these criminal elements threatening the peace of our country,” a military source quoted the army chief as saying.
During his stay, General Oluyede is scheduled to hold strategic consultations with field commanders, operational leaders, and security stakeholders to evaluate ongoing operations and refine military tactics.
Insider sources indicate that he is likely to implement major strategic adjustments, including the possible redeployment of commanding officers in charge of underperforming units.
In a morale-boosting initiative, the COAS will also visit front-line troops and operational bases across affected areas to interact directly with soldiers and reinforce confidence in the army’s mission.
His presence, according to army insiders, is meant to demonstrate strong leadership and a hands-on approach to ending the violence.
Furthermore, General Oluyede plans to visit some of the worst-hit communities to engage with displaced residents and local leaders, reassuring them of the army’s unwavering commitment to protecting civilians and restoring law and order.
“The situation is unacceptable, and the Nigerian Army will not stand by while our people suffer,” Oluyede was reported to have said.
He is expected to remain in Benue for several days, leading frontline operations personally before returning to Abuja.
The latest military move underscores the growing national concern over the deteriorating security in Benue and reflects the federal government's urgency in tackling what has become one of Nigeria’s most persistent internal security threats.
As of press time, the Army Public Relations Department had yet to issue an official statement, but military sources indicate that further reinforcements and a revised security roadmap may soon be unveiled.