Benue Massacre: Locals Sheltered Killers, Fed Them, Gave Them Women — CDS Musa Alleges
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| Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Musa |
In a shocking revelation, the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Musa, has accused some residents of Benue State of harbouring and aiding the armed criminals responsible for the recent Yelwata massacre, which claimed dozens of innocent lives.
Speaking during an expanded media briefing at the Defence Headquarters in Abuja on Thursday, General Musa said the attackers were not only sheltered by locals but were also provided food, women, and critical intelligence — including the location of the Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camp targeted in the attack.
“These criminals were harboured by people in the community. They were given food. They were even given women. They were guided to the IDP camp. Yet, no one reported this to security forces,” the CDS stated, visibly distressed.
According to Musa, security operatives had received intelligence about potential attacks in the area and had been deployed to some communities. However, they were misled by false or diverted information, while the real attack in Yelwata was carried out swiftly in a hit-and-run operation before forces could respond.
Presidential Order for Full-Scale Manhunt
General Musa revealed that President Bola Tinubu has ordered a full activation of Nigeria’s security apparatus — including the Army, Navy, Air Force, Police, and intelligence agencies — to hunt down the perpetrators and bring them to justice.
“We are sparing no effort. Everyone involved in this crime must be held accountable,” Musa affirmed.
He stressed the critical need for community vigilance and cooperation, reiterating that security is a shared responsibility:
“We consistently call on communities to speak up. Without information from the ground, our hands are tied. Security is everyone’s duty.”
Border Insecurity and Foreign Threats
The Defence Chief also drew attention to Nigeria’s porous borders, warning that the continued influx of weapons and fighters from conflict-ridden countries like Sudan, Libya, and the Central African Republic poses a growing threat to national stability.
He recommended adopting measures similar to those taken by Pakistan, which erected a fortified double-layer border wall to curb cross-border militancy from Afghanistan.
Human Toll and Operational Results
In an emotional moment, General Musa extended condolences to the families and communities devastated by the Yelwata attack and other violent incidents across Nigeria.
“These senseless killings weigh heavily on our hearts. We stand united in the fight for justice and peace in every corner of this nation.”
He emphasized that overcoming Nigeria’s security challenges requires a “Whole-of-Society” approach, involving collaboration between military forces, civil institutions, and citizens.
Military Achievements: Two-Year Scorecard
Deputy Director of Defence Media Operations, Brigadier General Ibrahim Abu-Mawashi, also shared key statistics from military operations nationwide over the past two years:
6,260 terrorists and criminals neutralized
14,138 suspects arrested
5,365 civilians rescued
Regional Operations Breakdown:
Niger Delta: ₦83 billion worth of stolen crude recovered, 103 criminals killed, 2,760 arrested
North-East: 1,246 Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorists killed, 2,467 arrested, 1,920 civilians rescued
North-West: 1,374 bandits neutralized, 2,160 arrested, 3,288 hostages rescued
North-Central: 730 terrorists killed, 7,153 arrested, 1,510 civilians rescued
South-East (Operation Udoka): 440 terrorists killed, 1,677 arrested
South-West: 80 criminals killed, 1,763 arrested, 89 kidnap victims rescued
Thousands of weapons, including assault rifles and rounds of ammunition, were also recovered during these operations.
Towards a People-Centric Security System
Brigadier General Tukur Gusau, Director of Defence Information, reiterated the military’s commitment to transparency and public engagement, aligning with CDS Musa’s vision of building a “people-centric Armed Forces.”
“Our Armed Forces are not just fighters — they are protectors, guardians, and partners in building a safer, stronger Nigeria,” Gusau concluded.
As Nigeria faces threats on multiple fronts, the Defence Headquarters is urging all citizens to remain vigilant, support security agencies, and be active participants in the collective effort to restore lasting peace and unity across the nation.
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