Benue Massacre: Troops Misled by Faulty Intelligence —CDS

In a shocking revelation, the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Musa, has disclosed that Nigerian troops were misled by incorrect information during the recent deadly attack in Yelewata community, Benue State. Speaking at a meeting with media representatives at the Defence Headquarters (DHQ) in Abuja on Thursday, June 19, 2025, the CDS explained that the military received intelligence about killer herders planning attacks on certain communities in Benue. Troops were quickly mobilized and sent to those locations, only to find out that the information was wrong. By the time they realized the attack was happening elsewhere, it was too late to stop the tragedy in Yelewata, where no fewer than 200 people lost their lives.

General Musa expressed deep concern over how the attackers were able to carry out such a brutal act with help from within the community. He revealed that some local informants in Benue provided shelter, food, and even women to the criminals before the attack. These informants also gave detailed information about the Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camp in Yelewata, including its location and the large number of people staying there. This made it easier for the attackers to target the camp, leading to the high number of casualties.

“How did they know about the IDP Camp and the location in that community? They were teleguided by some persons in that community,” General Musa stated, highlighting the betrayal by locals who aided the criminals.

The CDS urged communities to work closely with security agencies by reporting suspicious activities. He emphasized that the lack of timely information from residents often hinders the military’s efforts to prevent such attacks. He also noted that, following a directive from the President, a combined force of the Army, Navy, Air Force, and other security agencies has been deployed to track down and arrest those responsible for the Yelewata massacre. Some of the criminals have already been neutralized by the Police and other security forces who put up a strong fight during the incident.

Military Concerns and Border Security

General Musa also raised alarm about the porous nature of Nigeria’s borders, which he said poses a serious threat to national security. He pointed out that ongoing crises in neighboring Sahel countries like Sudan, Central African Republic, and Libya are driving terrorists, bandits, and arms dealers toward Nigeria. These groups see Nigeria as a rich country with vast resources, making it a target for their illegal activities. He called on the Federal Government to consider building border fences to curb this problem, citing the example of Pakistan, which constructed a double border wall to separate itself from Afghanistan despite the high cost. He argued that such measures, though expensive, are necessary to protect Nigeria from external threats.

Expressing his condolences, the CDS said the Armed Forces of Nigeria deeply grieve with the families and communities affected by the recent wave of violence in Benue and other parts of the country. He reaffirmed the military’s commitment to ensuring justice and restoring peace across Nigeria. He stressed the need for a united approach involving the military, government, and citizens to tackle the complex security challenges facing the nation.

Nationwide Military Operations and Achievements

In addition to the Benue crisis, the DHQ provided an update on the military’s efforts to combat insecurity nationwide over the past two years. Deputy Director of Defence Media Operations, Brigadier-General Ibrahim Abu-Mawashi, revealed key statistics on their operations:

• A total of 6,260 terrorists, bandits, and other criminals have been eliminated during joint operations across the country.
• Additionally, 14,138 suspects were arrested, and 5,365 civilians were rescued from danger.
• Troops also recovered hundreds of weapons and thousands of rounds of ammunition during these operations.

Regional Breakdown of Operations

• Niger Delta: Troops recovered stolen crude oil and petroleum products worth N83 billion, neutralized 103 criminals, arrested 2,760 suspects, and rescued 266 kidnapped civilians.
• North-East: 1,246 Boko Haram and ISWAP fighters were taken out, while 2,467 were arrested, and 1,920 civilians were rescued.
• North-West: 1,374 bandits, including top commanders, were neutralized across states like Zamfara, Kaduna, Katsina, Kebbi, and Sokoto, with 3,288 hostages freed.
• North-Central: 730 terrorists and bandits were killed, and 1,510 civilians were rescued.
• South-East and South-West: Hundreds of criminals were neutralized or arrested, and many civilians were saved.

The Director of Defence Information, Brigadier-General Tukur Gusau, added that the meeting with the media was part of the military’s effort to keep Nigerians informed about their activities and sacrifices. He emphasized that the Armed Forces, under the leadership of the CDS, are committed to a people-centered approach, working hand-in-hand with the public to address security challenges.

Conclusion: A Call for Unity

The Yelewata massacre and the broader security issues discussed at the DHQ meeting paint a troubling picture of the challenges facing Nigeria. From faulty intelligence to community betrayal and porous borders, the obstacles are many. However, the military’s determination to bring justice to the victims and their ongoing operations across the country show a strong resolve to protect citizens and restore peace. The call for community cooperation and stronger border control remains a critical part of the solution as Nigeria battles these multi-faceted threats .

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