The Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, has promised of the army’s determination to bring to justice those responsible for the recent violent killings that have plagued Benue, Plateau States, and other regions across the country.
He made the promise during a press briefing organized by the Department of Civil-Military Affairs at the Nigerian Army Headquarters in Akure on Saturday,
The event with the theme: “Military – media collaboration: Panacea for enhanced national security and development,” underscores the ongoing need for cooperative efforts in combating security challenges.
Represented by the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 2 Division, Nigerian Army, Ibadan, Maj. Gen. Obinna Onubogu, the army chief emphasized the military’s unwavering commitment to eradicating violence, particularly in the North-Central part of Nigeria, where insecurity has escalated.
Oluyede highlighted that President Bila Tinubu has issued clear directives regarding the military’s engagement in areas most affected by violence, namely Plateau, Benue, Kwara States, and several other states grappling with security issues.
“We are fully deployed and confronting this menace head-on,” he asserted, emphasizing that a robust response is imperative to restoring calm.
Specifically addressing the situation in Benue State, he stated that within the coming weeks, citizens should anticipate the implementation of comprehensive security measures aimed at halting the ongoing violence.
He appealed to local communities and stakeholders for their essential support in military operations, particularly through the timely sharing of intelligence.
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“The army cannot be omnipresent; Nigeria is vast, and our resources are stretched. Therefore, we heavily depend on the cooperation of local populations to provide credible and timely information,” he explained.
He noted that there have been instances where the local community’s hesitation to share information has hampered swift military response, stressing the necessity for a cultural shift towards greater collaboration in this battle.
Furthermore, Oluyede called upon media professionals to diligently verify facts before publication and to contribute constructively to national security and development.
He expressed concerns regarding the proliferation of misinformation and disinformation, especially across social media platforms, which complicates the military’s operations.
“We urge media practitioners to consult with us before disseminating unverified stories,” he said.
“We appreciate the support we’ve received from the media thus far and aim to strengthen this partnership to ensure that national security remains intact and is not compromised by sensationalized reporting.”
