The Commandant General of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Dr. Ahmed Audi, expressed profound condemnation for the recent massacre in Benue State, characterizing the attack as barbaric and devoid of any justification. His visit to the affected community followed a horrific incident in Yelewata, Guma Local Government Area, where an estimated 200 civilians, including women and children, were mercilessly slaughtered. Dr. Audi’s visit included meetings with state government officials and representatives of the grieving communities, offering condolences and expressing solidarity in their time of immense loss. He unequivocally denounced the senseless violence, emphasizing the sanctity of human life and the need for swift justice.
Dr. Audi outlined a comprehensive security strategy to address the escalating violence and prevent future occurrences. He directed the NSCDC’s Zonal Commander and State Commandant to bolster intelligence gathering capabilities and deploy specialized units, including special forces, covert operatives, and tactical teams, throughout Benue State. These enhanced security measures would be implemented collaboratively with other security agencies and stakeholders to improve coordination and responsiveness. He specifically highlighted the importance of joint operations to maximize impact and ensure a unified front against those perpetrating the violence.
A core element of the enhanced security strategy, according to Dr. Audi, is the full deployment of counterterrorism units and intelligence teams to conduct both covert and overt operations. This multi-pronged approach aims to proactively identify and neutralize threats while simultaneously gathering critical intelligence to understand the root causes and networks behind the violence. The Commandant General underscored the urgency of the situation, echoing President Buhari’s directive that those responsible for the heinous crimes must be apprehended and brought to justice. He stressed the NSCDC’s unwavering commitment to fulfilling this presidential mandate.
Dr. Audi issued a clear directive that the ongoing killings must cease and that the NSCDC will adopt a strategic, decisive, and resilient approach to restoring peace and order in Benue State. He emphasized the critical need for collective action, urging all personnel within the NSCDC to remain vigilant and contribute to the collective effort. The Commandant General’s call to action emphasized the need for proactive engagement and a comprehensive strategy to address the complex security challenges facing the region. This includes not only reactive measures to address immediate threats but also proactive steps to prevent future acts of violence.
Furthermore, the Commandant General pledged additional tactical support and logistical resources for the Benue State Command. This includes enhancing their operational capacity to respond effectively to security threats and providing the necessary equipment and resources to carry out their duties effectively. He stressed the importance of inter-agency collaboration, stating that the NSCDC would work closely with the military, Department of State Services (DSS), Nigeria Police Force, local security networks, and community leaders to gather credible intelligence and build a comprehensive understanding of the security landscape. This collaborative approach recognizes the complex nature of the security challenges and the need for a united front to effectively address them.
Finally, Dr. Audi expressed his gratitude to Governor Hyacinth Alia of Benue State for the ongoing support provided to NSCDC operations within the state. He reaffirmed the NSCDC’s steadfast commitment to protecting lives and critical infrastructure while working tirelessly to restore peace and stability in the affected communities. The Commandant General’s visit served not only as a show of solidarity with the victims and their families but also as a clear articulation of the NSCDC’s commitment and strategy to address the ongoing security challenges in Benue State. His pronouncements and directives signaled a strengthened resolve to end the violence and bring perpetrators to justice, while simultaneously working towards long-term peace and stability in the region.
