The Middle-Belt Youth Congress has commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, and the hierarchy of the Nigerian Army over the approval of an Army Division in Benue State, describing the development as a significant step towards strengthening security operations across the state and the wider Middle-Belt region.
In a statement signed by its President, Obande Gideon, the group said the establishment of the Army Division would enhance the operational capacity of the Nigerian Army and provide greater support for ongoing efforts to combat banditry, armed attacks, and other forms of criminality in Benue and neighbouring states.
The Congress expressed concern over the renewed wave of attacks in parts of the Middle Belt, particularly in Benue and Kaduna States, noting that the situation requires sustained and coordinated action by security agencies and relevant stakeholders.
The group also called for increased aerial surveillance and intervention through the deployment of modern survey and combat drones to strengthen intelligence gathering, improve response time, and support security operations in vulnerable communities.
According to the Middle-Belt Youth Congress, there is also an urgent need for the recruitment of more personnel into the Armed Forces to boost the country’s security capacity in the face of growing threats.
The group further urged the Nigeria Police Force to reconsider the restrictions affecting the recruitment of graduates into the Force, stressing that the inclusion of more qualified personnel would contribute to improved professionalism, intelligence gathering, and effective policing.
The Congress called on citizens to continue providing credible and timely intelligence to security agencies, noting that public cooperation remains critical to the success of efforts aimed at confronting criminal elements operating as bandits and armed herders.
The group reaffirmed its support for the Federal Government and the security agencies, while urging sustained collaboration and decisive action to restore peace, protect lives and property, and safeguard communities across the Middle-Belt and Nigeria at large.
