Following the massacre in Benue State’s Yelwata and Daudu communities, the Nigerian military has accused some local residents of aiding the attackers, complicating efforts to prevent the tragedy that claimed nearly 200 lives.
The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Musa, told journalists in Abuja, where he detailed not only the alleged complicity of residents but also the broader security operations being conducted nationwide.
According to General Musa, the gunmen responsible for the Yelwata attack received food, shelter, and even women from members of the community. They were allegedly guided to strategic locations, including the Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camp that was later targeted.
“These criminals were harboured by people in the community. They were given food. They were even given women. They were guided on where the IDP camp was located. Yet, security forces received no information,” the Defence Chief lamented.
Worse still, troops were deliberately misled by locals who fed them false intelligence, causing a diversion that allowed the assailants to launch a swift and deadly hit-and-run assault.
General Musa emphasised the importance of community cooperation in combating insecurity, stating, “Security is everyone’s responsibility. We urge all citizens to remain vigilant and to report suspicious activities.”
Presidential Response and Broader Security Measures
In response to the Benue killings, President Bola Tinubu has ordered the full deployment of military and intelligence assets, including the Army, Navy, Air Force, Police, and Department of State Services (DSS), to pursue and apprehend those responsible.
General Musa also raised alarms over the porous nature of Nigeria’s borders, which he said is enabling the influx of weapons and fighters from conflict zones like Sudan, Libya, and the Central African Republic. He suggested Nigeria might consider adopting border control models like Pakistan’s double-layer wall system used along its Afghan frontier.
Expressing deep sorrow, Musa extended his condolences to the victims and their families, vowing, “We remain fully committed to ensuring justice and restoring peace across Nigeria.”
Two Years of Counterterrorism: 6,260 Terrorists Eliminated, Thousands Rescued
Against the backdrop of the Benue crisis, the Defence Headquarters also released a comprehensive report outlining the achievements of the Nigerian Armed Forces over the past two years — a period coinciding with General Musa’s tenure as CDS.
Speaking at a parley with media executives, Brigadier General Ibrahim Abu-Mawashi revealed that 6,260 terrorists had been eliminated, 14,138 insurgents and criminals apprehended, and 5,365 kidnapped civilians rescued during joint operations nationwide.
Regional Highlights of Military Operations:
• North-East (Operation Hadin Kai): 1,246 terrorists neutralized, 2,467 arrested, 1,920 civilians rescued. Nearly 1,000 firearms and over 2,000 rounds of ammunition were recovered.
• North-West (Operation Fagge Yamma): 1,374 bandits—including top commanders—were killed. 2,160 suspects arrested and 3,288 hostages freed. Recovered arms included 947 firearms and over 25,000 rounds of ammunition.
• North-Central: 730 terrorists and bandits killed, 7,153 arrested, 1,510 civilians rescued. Troops seized 1,065 weapons and nearly 20,000 rounds of ammunition.
• South-South (Operation Delta Safe): ₦83 billion worth of stolen crude and refined products were recovered. 103 criminals neutralized, 2,760 suspects arrested, and 266 civilians rescued.
• South-East (Operation UDO KA): 440 terrorists killed, 1,677 arrested, 294 civilians rescued. Military operations recovered 683 weapons and 21,300 rounds of ammunition.
• South-West (Joint Task Force): 80 criminals killed, 1,763 arrested, 89 kidnap victims rescued. Troops recovered 143 weapons and an astounding 177,904 rounds of ammunition.
Transparency and a People-Centric Military
Brigadier General Tukur Gusau, Director of Defence Information, underscored the military’s commitment to transparency and public engagement. “This is part of the CDS’s vision to build a people-centric military institution. Nigerians must understand the scope of our sacrifices and successes,” he said.
