Military Operations Facilitate Return of Over 60,000 IDPs in Benue

Over 60,000 internally displaced persons (IDPs) have started returning to their homes and ancestral communities in Benue State and neighbouring areas, following sustained military operations conducted by troops of Operation Whirl Stroke (OpWS).

This development was revealed during a fact-finding media tour of the Operation Whirl Stroke Area of Responsibility, where Defence Correspondents were briefed on the prevailing security situation by the Commander of the 401 Special Forces Brigade, Brigadier General Kolawale Bukoye.
Addressing journalists on Tuesday, Brigadier General Bukoye, who stood in for the Force Commander of Operation Whirl Stroke, Major General Moses Dara, gave a detailed account of ongoing military operations targeted at addressing security challenges across the area.
He attributed the gradual return of displaced persons to consistent kinetic and non-kinetic military actions, alongside strengthened civil–military relations that have helped to restore confidence among affected communities.
The media tour, organised at the instance of the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Olufemi Oluyede, was aimed at enabling Defence Correspondents to independently and firsthand assess the security situation in various operational theatres nationwide, as well as evaluate the impact of ongoing military engagements.
Speaking specifically on Yelwata community, which was previously plagued by insecurity, Brigadier General Bukoye stated that normalcy has been fully restored. He emphasised that the area currently poses no security threat, owing to the sustained presence and operations of military personnel.
During the tour, journalists observed a calm and peaceful atmosphere across communities, a sharp departure from the fear and displacement that had earlier forced thousands to flee their homes. The presence of troops, routine patrols, and secured access routes were clearly noticeable throughout the area.
Correspondents also noted a gradual revival of economic activities, particularly farming, as local farmers have begun returning to their farmlands after years of displacement. Previously abandoned farmlands are now showing early signs of cultivation, indicating renewed confidence in the improved security situation.
Some residents who interacted with journalists expressed optimism and renewed trust in the military, expressing hope that the peace achieved would be sustained. They commended Operation Whirl Stroke for creating an enabling environment for resettlement and the restoration of livelihoods.
One of the returnees, Mr. Victor Tor, a farmer and indigene of Tatyough, said he had returned to his ancestral land to resume farming after being displaced by insecurity.
“I am a son of the soil. I have returned to continue my farming on my ancestral land,” Tor said.
He praised the troops for their professionalism and dedication, praying for their continued presence until full confidence is restored among communities affected by years of violence. According to him, the sustained deployment of troops has given residents the assurance needed to rebuild their lives.
Military authorities reiterated that Operation Whirl Stroke remains committed to neutralising criminal elements, safeguarding lives and property, and supporting the safe and voluntary return of displaced persons. They stressed that the operation extends beyond combat activities to include confidence-building initiatives and close collaboration with local communities.
The return of more than 60,000 IDPs is being hailed as a major milestone in ongoing efforts to stabilise Benue State and the wider North-Central region.