Benue State Governor Reverend Father Hyacinth Iormem Alia has praised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for supplying the Nigerian Army with advanced weapons and equipment to tackle the country’s rising security threats. Governor Alia gave the commendation on Thursday, 5 March 2026, while receiving the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, at Government House, Makurdi.
Lieutenant General Shaibu assured the governor that the army is sharpening its operational edge across Benue and the nation, adding that the new hardware—secured through President Tinubu’s backing—would boost troops’ effectiveness on the ground.
He applauded the state government and residents for standing with security forces despite repeated attacks, and singled out the support given to Operation WHIRL STROKE as a key reason for the gains recorded so far. The COAS urged the government and communities to keep partnering with the military, stressing that no lasting peace is possible without close teamwork among the armed forces, government, and locals.
Governor Alia called the visit timely and heartening, especially when security operations are being ramped up. He praised the army’s steady efforts to protect lives and property, welcomed the incoming reinforcements, and restated his administration’s resolve to keep backing the military and other agencies as they press ahead to curb crime and restore calm in Benue.
