…As Benue hosts Nigerian Army 5 Division Headquarters
The Governor of Benue State, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia, has pledged his administration’s unwavering support for the successful establishment and operationalisation of the newly created 5 Division Headquarters of the Nigerian Army in Makurdi.
The support includes the provision of adequate land, logistics, and infrastructural facilities for the formation and its affiliated units.
Governor Alia gave the assurance on Tuesday when he hosted members of the Nigerian Army Headquarters Order of Battle Implementation Committee at the Old Banquet Hall of Government House, Makurdi.
Describing the visit as a significant milestone in Benue’s quest for lasting peace and security, the Governor noted that the establishment of the 5 Division Headquarters would greatly strengthen the security architecture in the state and the North Central region as a whole.
The Governor commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for approving the expansion of the Nigerian Army from eight to twelve divisions, describing the decision as a bold demonstration of the Federal Government’s commitment to improving national security.
He also conveyed the appreciation of the people of Benue to the Chief of Army Staff and the Nigerian Army for selecting Makurdi as the headquarters of the newly created 5 Division. He paid tribute to fallen military personnel as well as civilians who lost their lives in the course of insurgency and insecurity in the state.
Governor Alia also congratulated Major General M.K. Gara on his appointment as the pioneer General Officer Commanding (GOC) of the 5 Division Headquarters, and reaffirmed the state’s commitment to sustaining its collaboration with all security agencies.
“As host of the 5 Division Headquarters, Benue State will provide adequate land for all the formations and units to be established. We will also construct and furnish the headquarters of the 5 Division and provide the necessary logistics to ensure a smooth take-off of the formation and its units. These commitments underscore our determination to support the Nigerian Army in restoring lasting peace and ensuring that our people can sleep with both eyes closed,” Governor Alia stated.
Speaking earlier, the leader of the delegation, Major General Raymond Terungwa Utsaha, who conveyed the goodwill of the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General W. Shaibu, explained that the committee was in the state on a field assessment to facilitate the operationalization of the newly created 5 Division.
He recalled that the Presidential directive of July 23, 2026 expanded the Nigerian Army from eight to twelve divisions, with the objective of strengthening troop presence in critical areas, improving response time to security threats, and enhancing the protection of lives and property.
Major General Utsaha disclosed that the newly created 5 Division, with headquarters in Makurdi, will oversee military operations in Benue, Kogi, and Nasarawa States. Other new divisions include the 9 Division in Ilorin covering Kwara and Niger States; the 10 Division in Jalingo covering Adamawa and Taraba States; and the 83 Division, which will cover Edo, Delta, and Bayelsa States.
The team lead further explained that military formations often stimulate socio-economic development through the establishment of schools, hospitals, and other support infrastructure, adding that the new division would contribute significantly to the state’s growth.
While disclosing that the committee would inspect proposed locations for the establishment of formations and units across Benue before proceeding to Kogi State, Major General Utsaha appealed to local authorities, traditional rulers, religious leaders, and community members to cooperate with the team during the exercise.
Also speaking, the Pioneer General Officer Commanding, 5 Division, Nigerian Army, Major General M.K. Gara, described the establishment of the division as a major boost to security and economic development in Benue State.
According to Major General Gara, the additional formations would improve operational effectiveness by reducing response time to distress calls, while bringing more troops and combat support capabilities closer to vulnerable communities.
Speaking further, Major General Gara, who previously served in Benue as Force Commander of Operation Whirl Stroke, assured residents that the Nigerian Army remains a highly professional and accountable institution committed to protecting lives and property in accordance with the law.
The Army Headquarters Committee is expected to tour designated locations across the state to identify suitable sites for the establishment of the new military formations and units.
