The Nigerian Army has vowed to pursue and bring to justice those behind the recent wave of killings in Benue, Plateau, and other conflict-prone areas across the country, particularly in the North-Central region.

This assurance was given by the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt. Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, during the Nigerian Army Headquarters’ Second Quarter 2025 Media Chat, held Saturday in Akure. The event was organized by the Department of Civil-Military Affairs under the theme: “Military–Media Collaboration: Panacea for Enhanced National Security and Development.”

Represented by Maj. Gen. Obinna Onubogu, the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 2 Division, Ibadan, the Army Chief stated that the military is actively responding to the deteriorating security situation and that the President has issued clear directives to contain the violence.

 “In Benue especially, expect more elaborate and strategic security arrangements in the coming weeks aimed at ending the violence,” Oluyede said.

He stressed that military operations in volatile regions are already underway but acknowledged the challenges posed by delayed or inaccurate intelligence from local communities.

 “Nigeria is vast, and the army isn’t as large in numbers as people may assume. We depend heavily on the support of the people. Unfortunately, in some cases, the intelligence we get is either late or inaccurate, which hampers our operations. That must change if we’re to win this fight together,” he added.

Oluyede called on community leaders and residents to strengthen cooperation with the military by providing timely and credible information that could help prevent further attacks and restore peace.

The Army Chief also used the platform to caution journalists and media houses against spreading unverified information that could escalate tensions.

 “The media must play its part in safeguarding national security. We urge reporters to reach out to military authorities to clarify facts before putting out stories. Sensationalism only worsens public anxiety and undermines national efforts,” he warned.

The Army’s renewed pledge comes amid public outcry over persistent attacks and mass killings in several parts of the North-Central, with Benue and Plateau States being some of the hardest-hit by armed violence in recent weeks.