From Henry Ibya, Makurdi
Benue State governor, Reverend Father Hyacinth Alia has reaffirmed his administration`s commitment to strengthen collaboration with security agencies to promote community participation in tackling security challenges.
The governor expressed the commitment yesterday when he received at the Government House, Makurdi, a delegation from the 2026 Nigerian Study team from the Armed Forces and Command Staff College, as part of the institution’s nationwide study tour.
Alia, represented by his Deputy, Dr Sam Ode, described the visit as a significant national exercise aimed at promoting security consciousness and participatory governance.
He said the state government was honoured to host the delegation again, noting that the choice of Benue reflects growing confidence in the state’s efforts towards peace, stability and development.
Governor Alia commended the leadership of the college under Air Vice Marshal A.O Shogbanmu, for sustaining the initiative, expressing hope that the collaboration would contribute meaningfully to national security discourse and policy development.
Reflecting on the theme of the 2026 study tour, ‘Promoting Community Engagement for Enhanced National Security and Prosperity,’ the governor emphasised that contemporary security challenges require collective responsibility among government institutions, security agencies, traditional rulers, religious bodies, civil society groups and citizens.
He assured that his administration would always remain committed to programmes and policies that promote peace building, rural development, youth empowerment, and strategic partnerships with security agencies operating in the state, commending personnel of the Nigerian Armed Forces and other security agencies for their sacrifices and patriotism in safeguarding lives and protecting the country’s territorial integrity despite difficult conditions.
Alia acknowledged the security challenges confronting parts of Benue State, but maintained that government, in collaboration with the military and relevant stakeholders, is steadily strengthening the state’s security architecture and restoring confidence among citizens.
The governor, who expressed optimism that the outcome of the study tour would enrich national conversations on conflict resolution, intelligence gathering, and security management, encouraged the delegation to explore not only the challenges facing the state, but also its agricultural potential, resilient people and investment opportunities in the food basket state.
Team Coordinator and Chief Instructor, Echo Division Department of Maritime Warfare, Brigadier-General Mohammed Abdullahi, represented by Navy Captain Aliu Usman, said the delegation was in the state to conduct environmental and security assessments as part of the college’s academic programme.
He commended the Benue State government for consistently hosting the institution during such exercises, explaining that the Armed Forces Command and Staff College trains operational-level officers of the Nigerian Army, Navy, and Air Force, as well as personnel from ministries, departments, agencies, and allied African countries.
The delegation comprised 61 officers, including Majors, Lieutenant Commanders, and Squadron Leaders from the three armed services, alongside officers from South Africa and Zimbabwe.
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