Military Operations Enable Return of 60,000 IDPs in Benue
Over 60,000 internally displaced persons (IDPs) have begun returning to their homes and ancestral communities in Benue state and surrounding areas following sustained military operations by troops of Operation Whirl Stroke (OpWS).
This was disclosed during a fact-finding media tour of the Operation Whirl Stroke Area of Responsibility, where Defence Correspondents were briefed on the security situation by the Commander, 401 Special Forces Brigade, Brigadier General Kolawale Bukoye.
Briefing journalists on Tuesday, Brigadier General Bukoye, who represented the Force Commander, Operation Whirl Stroke, Major General Moses Dara, presented a comprehensive overview of ongoing military activities aimed at addressing security threats across the general area.
He attributed the gradual return of displaced persons to sustained kinetic and non-kinetic operations by troops, as well as improved civil–military cooperation.
The media tour, an initiative of the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Olufemi Oluyede, was designed to provide Defence Correspondents with the opportunity to independently ascertain, first-hand, the security situation in operational theatres across the country and assess the impact of ongoing military efforts.
Speaking on the once-troubled Yelwata community, Brigadier General Bukoye noted that normalcy has been fully restored, stressing that there is currently no security threat in the area due to the sustained presence and operations of the military.
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During the tour, journalists observed that communities were calm and peaceful, a sharp contrast to the atmosphere of fear and displacement that previously forced thousands to flee their homes. The visible presence of troops, routine patrols, and secured access routes were evident across the general area.
Correspondents also observed a gradual return to normal economic activities, particularly farming, as indigenous farmers have begun returning to their farmlands after prolonged displacement.
Farmlands that were once abandoned due to persistent attacks now show early signs of cultivation, reflecting growing confidence in the improved security situation.
Some residents who spoke with journalists expressed renewed trust in the military and optimism that peace would be sustained. They credited the effectiveness of Operation Whirl Stroke for creating an environment conducive for resettlement and livelihood restoration.
One of the returnees, Mr Victor Tor, a farmer and indigene of Tatyough, said he had returned to resume farming on his ancestral land after being displaced by insecurity.
“I am a son of the soil. I have returned to continue my farming on my ancestral land,” Tor said.
He praised the troops for their professionalism and dedication, praying for their continued presence in the area until full trust is rebuilt among communities affected by years of violence. According to him, the sustained deployment of troops has given residents the confidence to rebuild their lives.
Military authorities reiterated that Operation Whirl Stroke remains committed to neutralising criminal elements, protecting lives and property, and facilitating the safe return of displaced persons.
They stressed that the operation goes beyond combat engagements to include confidence-building measures and collaboration with local communities.
The return of over 60,000 IDPs to Benue state is being regarded as a significant milestone in the ongoing efforts to stabilise Benue State and the wider North-Central region.
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