Benue: OPWS Commander, Gara visits Troops at FOB Obagaji, condemn violence, bloodshed, reiterates commitment to protecting civilians

From Dooshima Terkura, Makurdi

The Force Commander, Joint Task Force (JTF) Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS), Major General Moses Gara, has condemned all forms of violence that result in the shedding of innocent blood, reiterating the military’s commitment to upholding human rights and protecting civilians.

Major General Gara stated this visited the troops on Thursday, August 7, 2025, when he conducted an operational visit to troops stationed at Forward Operating Base (FOB) Obagaji in Agatu Local Government Area (LGA) of Benue State.

Major General Gara commended their unwavering commitment, gallantry, and professionalism in confronting threats within the Operation Whirl Stroke Area of Responsibility (AOR).

He assured the soldiers that their operational performance and sacrifices have not gone unnoticed by the military high command.

The Commander said “Soldiering has never been easy. That is the burden of service, and you are bearing it with honour.”

He emphasized the non-negotiable role of discipline in military success, stating, “Without discipline, there is no Army.”

He also stressed the importance of continuous training as a force multiplier in counter-insurgency and internal security operations.

In a bid to improve mobility, communication, and response capabilities, the Commander promised to source additional motorcycles and tactical communication equipment for their use.

As part of the operational assessment, Major General Gara visited flashpoint communities of Olagba and Egba that has been embroiled in communal crises while the Air Component OPWS conducted sorties overhead Okwutanobe and Ukpelu that has recently witnessed isolated revenge attacks attributed to cattle theft.

The visit was aimed at evaluating the security situation, engaging local leaders, and restoring civil-military cooperation.

Speaking, Amb. James Ejeh expressed profound appreciation to the Force Commander for his swift intervention.

He noted that the presence of the high-ranking military delegation has restored hope and confidence among residents saying “Your visit today is a message of assurance that the Nigerian military stands with our people in these trying times. It gives us hope that normalcy and peace will soon return to our communities.”

A statement signed by Lieutenant
Acting Media Information Officer
HQ JTF OPWS, Ahmad Zubairu and made available to newsmen in Makurdi said the Commander was accompanied by the Commanding Officers, 72 Special Forces Battalion and COAS Intervention Battalion IX, Lieutenant Colonel SI Agwom and Lieutenant Colonel SO Lawal while the Chairman of Agatu LGA, Hon James Melvin Ejeh was on ground to receive the Force Commander.