The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Musa, has directed the immediate arrest of individuals found in possession of illegal firearms in Benue State, warning that those who attack security personnel will be neutralised.
The order comes amid ongoing efforts by the federal government and the military to restore peace in the troubled region and enable displaced persons to return to their homes.
General Musa issued the directive on Thursday, June 26, 2025, following a closed-door meeting in Makurdi with traditional leaders, including the Tor Tiv, Professor James Ayatse, and the Och’Idoma, Agabaidu Elaigwu Odogbo John.
The meeting was part of a broader consultation aimed at fostering collaboration between communities and security agencies in addressing the persistent security challenges in the state.
The CDS emphasized the military’s commitment to ending the cycle of violence in Benue and reiterated that no one, regardless of identity or affiliation, would be spared if found guilty of bearing arms illegally or engaging in criminal activities. He stated that offenders would be apprehended and prosecuted, and warned that those who attempt to resist arrest or attack military personnel would be met with force.
“We have a challenge in Benue State, and I believe working together, we will find a solution,” General Musa said. “When we sit down and talk sincerely, bringing out all that is affecting us, we will be able to find the solution.”
He assured the traditional rulers that the federal government and the military are committed to restoring security in the state. He also recalled recent initiatives, including President Bola Tinubu’s visit to Benue, as part of efforts to support displaced persons and facilitate their safe resettlement.
During the meeting, General Musa expressed appreciation for the contributions of the Tor Tiv and Och’Idoma, urging them to continue working closely with the military. He called on traditional institutions to view the security forces as allies and partners in peacebuilding. “We are your sons, working for the peace of our shared homeland,” he said.
Regarding the recent attack in Yelewata, the CDS confirmed that arrests have been made, and prosecution would follow. He described the development as long overdue and said that moving forward, no individual involved in violence would be shielded from justice.
“There will be no sacred persons. Anyone involved in violence must face justice. We are committed to ending the era where crimes go unpunished,” General Musa declared.
He further announced that the military had reinforced security in Yelewata to allow displaced residents to begin returning to their communities. He emphasized that the ultimate measure of success for the military’s intervention would be the safe and voluntary return of internally displaced persons (IDPs) to their homes.
“Our goal is not just to secure territories, but to see our people leave the IDP camps and go back to their farms and livelihoods,” he said. “That is the true measure of peace.”
In response, the Tor Tiv acknowledged notable improvements in security since his last engagement with the military leadership. He commended the renewed partnership and assured the CDS that traditional rulers would take greater responsibility in educating and guiding their communities to prevent further unrest.
“Our people also have some roles,” he said. “We are taking responsibility and working to bring our people under control to prevent further attacks.”
The Och’Idoma echoed similar sentiments, stressing the importance of distinguishing between peaceful Fulani residents and violent herders responsible for attacks, killings, and destruction of farmlands.
“We are not saying all Fulani should leave,” he said. “The known, peaceful ones have been with us for years. We are asking only those carrying arms and causing terror, killing, raping, and destroying our farms to leave. Benue people must be able to return to their farms and feed the nation as the Food Basket of the Nation.”
General Musa concluded by promising that the outcomes of the meeting with the traditional leaders would be forwarded to President Tinubu for further action. He reminded military personnel stationed in Benue to remain alert and committed to their constitutional duty of protecting lives and property without bias or complacency.
The military’s latest intervention is expected to intensify the crackdown on armed groups operating in Benue and help establish conditions necessary for long-term peace in a state that has been at the center of violent clashes between armed herders and farming communities for over a decade.
