Governor Hyacinth Alia of Benue State has appealed to the residents of the state to actively support the military and other security operatives in their efforts to combat insecurity.

The Governor made this plea during the unveiling of “Exercise Enduring Peace III,” a military operation, in Tyodugh, Guma Local Government Area.

Governor Alia encouraged the residents to provide valuable information to the security operatives, emphasizing the importance of their cooperation in addressing the security challenges. He expressed confidence in the effectiveness of the military exercise and the collective efforts of the security agencies in eliminating criminal elements from the state.

The Governor commended the military and other security agencies for their sacrifices and services rendered to the state and the nation as a whole.

Brig.-Gen Al-Amin Rabiu, the Commander of the 401 Special Forces Brigade, Makurdi, emphasized the need for professionalism among the troops during the execution of their duties. He stated that the exercise, based on real-time intelligence regarding the prevailing security threats in the state, would continue until January 5, 2024.

Maj.-Gen Hilary Nzan, the Commander of the Special Forces Command, Doma, Nasarawa State, highlighted that the exercise would be conducted jointly in Benue State by the troops of the 401 Special Forces Brigade and personnel from paramilitary agencies representing various commands within the state.

“Exercise Enduring Peace III” is a collaborative security operation aimed at addressing diverse security challenges in the state, including conflicts between farmers and herders, cattle rustling, and banditry.