Speaker of the Benue State House of Assembly, Rt. Honourable Alfred Emberga, has pledged legislative backing for security operations in the state. Rt. Hon. Alfred Emberga made the pledge on Friday when he joined officers and stakeholders at the Benue State Command Headquarters of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Makurdi for the promotion and decoration ceremony of officers recently elevated by the Corps.
He congratulated the promoted officers, describing their advancement as a testament to their dedication, professionalism, and unwavering commitment to safeguarding lives and property in the state. According to a statement made available to newsmen by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Zape Upaa, the Speaker urged the officers to remain disciplined, law-abiding, and community-focused as they assume greater responsibilities in the service of the nation.
Rt. Hon. Emberga, also decorated Officer Emmanuel Ameh Itodo, who is attached to his office and was promoted to the rank of Assistant Superintendent of Corps I (ASC I). He applauded ASC I Itodo’s diligence and encouraged all promoted personnel to see their new ranks as a renewed mandate to uphold integrity, professionalism, and excellence in the discharge of their duties.
Rt. Hon. Emberga, who inspected the quarter guard mounted by the command in his honour, reaffirmed the readiness of the Benue State House of Assembly to continue partnering with security agencies through responsive legislation and policy support aimed at strengthening the state’s security framework and improving the welfare of citizens and operational capacity of security personnel.
The Benue State Commandant of the NSCDC, Bitrus Alice Larai, expressed gratitude to the Benue State Government for its consistent support and collaboration with the Corps. She acknowledged the role of the legislature in providing an enabling legal environment that enhances the effectiveness of security operations across the state.
Ms. Larai pledged that the Command would remain resolute in its mandate to protect critical national assets and infrastructure, curb acts of vandalism and criminality, and deepen community-based security initiatives. She assured residents of Benue State of the Corps’ continued commitment to professionalism, transparency, and the maintenance of peace and public safety.
The ceremony was attended by senior government officials, representatives of sister security agencies, and invited guests, reflecting the shared commitment of the state and security institutions to sustaining peace, stability, and development in Benue State.
In a related development, the Commandant of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Bitrus Alice Larai, has commended Governor Hyacinth Alia for his commitment to the welfare of families of fallen security personnel and for motivating officers serving in the state. Commandant Larai stated this in a chat with The Voice Newspaper recently at IBB Square, Makurdi, during activities marking the 2026 Armed Forces Remembrance Day, which she attended alongside the governor.
She said the governor’s show of support for the families of deceased armed forces and paramilitary officers was a strong morale booster for personnel still in service and an assurance to bereaved families that their sacrifices were recognised.
“I sincerely appreciate His Excellency, the Governor of Benue State, for his commitment towards the Armed Forces and Paramilitary officers working in Benue State,” she noted.
Commandant Larai further added, “The support being extended to the families of those who have passed on encourages those of us still alive to work harder to ensure safety across the state.”
According to her, such gestures reassure families that they are not abandoned and that the efforts and sacrifices of their loved ones are acknowledged by the government.
The Commandant also restated the NSCDC’s commitment to supporting the Alia administration’s peace and security agenda, noting that the Corps would continue to collaborate with other security agencies to safeguard lives and property.
“NSCDC is here for a purpose, and that purpose must be accomplished. We will work hand in hand with other security agencies to protect lives and property and to secure critical national assets, which is one of our core mandates,” she said.
On community security and development, the NSCDC Commandant said the Corps was actively involved in joint security operations across the state to ensure a safe environment for residents. She listed operations such as Anyamnyor, Zenda, and Whirl Stroke as areas where the NSCDC was contributing to community-based security efforts, stressing that securing communities remained central to sustaining peace and development in Benue State.
Larai further assured that the Corps would not relent in its efforts to support initiatives aimed at creating a conducive atmosphere for governance and community development in the state.
