Army Vows to Crush Insecurity in North Central – GOC Onubogu
By Exponent News, Akure – 2nd June, 2025
The General Officer Commanding (GOC) 2 Division of the Nigerian Army, Major General Obinna Onubogu, has reaffirmed the military’s commitment to tackling insecurity across Nigeria’s North Central region. Speaking on behalf of the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede, Onubogu emphasized ongoing operations and the army’s renewed focus on troubled states such as Benue, Plateau, and Kwara.
Addressing recent security concerns, Major General Onubogu stated that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has issued “very clear orders” mandating the military to intensify operations against criminal elements disrupting peace across the region.
“The Nigerian Army has remained actively engaged in Benue, Kwara, and several other states grappling with insecurity,” he said. “We are currently deployed in Benue and Plateau, tackling the menace head-on. However, we require more support from the public in terms of timely and actionable information to enhance our response time.”
He noted the vastness of the country as a challenge, stating that the military’s limited manpower makes it difficult to be everywhere at once. “Nigeria is a vast country. The army is not as big as many people think, but we are doing our best to cover as much ground as possible,” Onubogu explained. “Criminals often exploit the few gaps where we are not present.”
Onubogu expressed concern about some of the perpetrators of violence in Benue State, describing their actions as “utterly despicable” and suggesting that not all of them may be Nigerian nationals.
“We are particularly mindful of the situation in Benue where some of these so-called herders have come in. Some of them, we believe, may not be Nigerians,” he said.
The GOC assured residents that comprehensive security measures would soon be rolled out across Benue State and beyond. “In the coming weeks, you will see very elaborate security arrangements aimed at completely ending the violence. Steps are already being taken behind the scenes to ensure such incidents do not recur,” he added.
Referencing the President’s recent address, Onubogu emphasized that the federal government is working closely with state governments, especially Benue, to ensure peace is restored.
He concluded by stressing that military efforts represent only a portion of the wider security solution. “Our kinetic operations account for just 20 to 30 percent of what is required. There are many more non-military steps that must be taken. But regarding the killings and related violence — we will go after them, and by God’s grace, we will bring them to justice,” he affirmed.
