The Commander of Joint Task Force Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS), Major General Moses Gara, has said Benue insecurity is largely driven by criminal activities rather than a coordinated land-grabbing agenda.
Speaking during a stakeholders’ engagement in Benue State, Gara said intelligence gathered by security agencies shows that criminal groups are exploiting existing tensions for their own gain. While many residents believe the attacks are part of an organised plan to seize ancestral land, he said available intelligence points mainly to criminality.
The senior military officer stressed that understanding the real causes of the crisis is important for finding lasting solutions.
Benue insecurity fuelled by criminal networks
According to Gara, the violence has gradually expanded beyond disputes over land and now involves armed criminal groups carrying out attacks for financial gain and other illegal activities.
He warned that the widespread belief in a land-grabbing agenda has increased fear and mistrust among communities. As a result, security operations have become more challenging.
The OPWS Commander also revealed that some communities have purchased weapons for self-defence. However, he warned that many of those weapons eventually fall into the hands of criminals, making the security situation even worse.
Benue insecurity: Communities urged to support security agencies
Gara urged residents to work closely with security agencies by providing timely and reliable intelligence that could help prevent attacks.
He said military operations alone cannot end Benue insecurity, adding that dialogue, community cooperation and effective governance remain essential to achieving lasting peace.
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The commander also advised community leaders and other stakeholders to avoid promoting narratives that could deepen divisions, warning that criminal groups often take advantage of such tensions.
He reaffirmed OPWS’ commitment to tackling Benue insecurity, protecting lives and property, and working with relevant authorities to restore peace across Benue State.
