Benue Massacre: Faulty Intel Misled Troops — CDS Musa
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| Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Musa |
By Yinka Kolawole | June 20, 2025
Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Musa, has revealed that Nigerian troops were misled by faulty intelligence regarding the movement of armed herders in Benue State, resulting in a delayed response to the deadly attack on Yelewata community.
Speaking at a media parley at the Defence Headquarters in Abuja, General Musa said troops were deployed to several locations based on intelligence suggesting imminent attacks. However, the information proved inaccurate, and by the time the actual location was identified, the massacre had already occurred.
“Troops were mobilised and deployed to locations identified by the intelligence reports. Unfortunately, it turned out to be faulty, and the actual attack occurred elsewhere,” the CDS stated.
He further alleged that local informants played a critical role in facilitating the attack, not only by harboring the assailants but also by providing them with accommodation, food, and even women before the deadly strike.
“These criminals were aided by certain individuals in the community. They had access to detailed information about the IDP camp’s location and environment. That is how they were able to inflict such high casualties,” he lamented.
The attack on Yelewata left over 200 people dead, most of them internally displaced persons.
National Security Response Intensifies
General Musa disclosed that following President Bola Tinubu’s directive, the military—comprising the Army, Navy, Air Force, and other security agencies—has launched an aggressive operation to apprehend the perpetrators.
“The Nigerian Police and other agencies responded courageously, neutralising some of the attackers,” he said.
The CDS also called for stronger community collaboration with security forces, urging locals to report suspicious activities and refrain from aiding criminal elements.
Porous Borders, Sahel Instability Raise Alarms
Highlighting broader security concerns, General Musa warned that Nigeria’s porous borders continue to pose significant threats, especially with instability in the Sahel region—Sudan, Central African Republic, and Libya—spilling into West Africa.
“Terrorists, arms traffickers, and bandits view Nigeria as a target due to our vast resources. It's time we consider tougher border controls. Countries like Pakistan built fortified border walls with great success,” he said.
He emphasized the need for a multi-dimensional approach to tackling insecurity and reiterated the military’s adoption of a “Whole-of-Society” strategy, fostering collaboration between government institutions, communities, and the armed forces.
Condolences and Commitment to Justice
The CDS expressed condolences on behalf of the Armed Forces to the victims and communities affected by the Yelewata massacre and other recent attacks across the country.
“These senseless acts of violence weigh heavily on our hearts. We remain committed to delivering justice and restoring peace and stability to all regions of the country.”
Over 6,000 Criminals Eliminated in Two Years — DHQ
Also at the event, Deputy Director of Defence Media Operations, Brig.-Gen. Ibrahim Abu-Mawashi, presented a breakdown of the military's operations over the past two years:
6,260 terrorists and criminals neutralised
14,138 suspects arrested
5,365 civilians rescued
Thousands of weapons and rounds of ammunition recovered
Regional Operational Highlights:
Niger Delta: N83 billion worth of stolen crude recovered; 103 criminals killed; 2,760 suspects arrested.
North-East: 1,246 Boko Haram/ISWAP fighters killed; 2,467 arrested; 1,920 civilians rescued.
North-West: 1,374 bandits killed; 2,160 arrested; 3,288 hostages rescued.
North-Central: 730 terrorists/bandits killed; 7,153 arrested; 1,510 civilians rescued.
South-East (Operation Udoka): 440 terrorists neutralised; 1,677 arrested; 294 civilians rescued.
South-West: 80 criminals killed; 1,763 arrested; 89 kidnap victims rescued.
Director of Defence Information, Brig.-Gen. Tukur Gusau, described the event as a milestone in transparency and reaffirmed the military’s dedication to a “people-centric approach” to national security.
“We will continue to ensure that the Nigerian public is kept informed of the military’s efforts, sacrifices, and achievements,” Gusau concluded.
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