By: Titus Akor, Makurdi.

Benue State Government  has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening collaboration with security agencies and promoting community participation in addressing security challenges as it received the 2026 Nigerian Study Tour Team  Benue State chapter from the Armed Forces Command and Staff College at Government House, Makurdi.

The delegation on  courtesy visit on Monday  at the Old Banquet Hall, Government House Makurdi, as part of the institution’s nationwide study tour exercise.

Receiving the team on behalf of Governor Hyacinth Alia, the Deputy Governor of Benue State, Dr. Sam Ode.mni, conveyed the governor’s goodwill and described the visit as a significant national exercise aimed at promoting security consciousness and participatory governance.

Dr. Ode said the Benue State Government was honored to host the delegation once again, noting that the choice of Benue for the exercise reflected growing confidence in the state’s efforts towards peace, stability and development.

He commended the leadership of the college under the Commandant, Air Vice Marshal A.O Shogbanmu, for sustaining the strategic initiative, which he said continues to contribute meaningfully to national security discourse and policy development.

Speaking on the theme of the 2026 study tour, “Promoting Community Engagement for Enhanced National Security and Prosperity,” the deputy governor stressed that contemporary security challenges require collective responsibility and cooperation among government institutions, security agencies, traditional rulers, religious bodies, civil society groups and citizens.

According to him, the administration of Governor Alia remains committed to programmes and policies that promote peace building, rural development, youth empowerment and strategic partnerships with security agencies operating in the state.

Dr. Ode also commended members of the Nigeria Armed Forces and other security personnel for their sacrifices and patriotism in safeguarding lives and protecting the territorial integrity of the country despite difficult conditions.

He acknowledged the security challenges confronting parts of Benue State but maintained that the government, in collaboration with the military and relevant stakeholders, is steadily strengthening the state’s security architecture and restoring confidence among citizens.

The deputy governor further expressed optimism that the outcome of the study tour would enrich national conversations on conflict resolution, intelligence gathering and security management.

He encouraged members of the delegation to explore not only the challenges facing the state, but also its rich agricultural potential, resilient people and investment opportunities, reiterating that Benue remains the food basket of the nation.

Earlier, the Team Coordinator of Nigerian Study Tour 2026 Team Benue and Chief Instructor, Echo Division, Department of Maritime Warfare, Navy Captain Aliu Usman, said the delegation was in the state to conduct environmental and security assessments as part of the college’s academic programme.

Representing the Team Leader, Brigadier General Mohammed Abdullahi, who was unavoidably absent, Navy Captain Usman conveyed the appreciation of the college commandant to the Benue State Government for consistently hosting the institution during such exercises.

He explained that the Armed Forces Command and Staff College is a tri-service institution responsible for training operational-level officers of the Nigerian Army, Navy and Air Force, as well as personnel from ministries, departments and agencies and allied African countries.

According to him, the delegation included 61 officers comprising Majors, Lieutenant Commanders and Squadron Leaders from the three armed services, alongside officers from South Africa and Zimbabwe, reflecting the international outlook of the institution.

Navy Captain Usman disclosed that seven teams were deployed to different states across the country, including Katsina, Kogi, Niger, Nasarawa, Plateau, Jigawa and Benue States, and disclosed that Benue was selected because of its strategic importance in national food security and its relevance to national stability, noting that food security remains directly linked to national peace and prosperity.

The coordinator explained that participants had already commenced research on the study theme before arriving in the state and would engage traditional rulers, community leaders, government institutions and heads of security agencies to assess the role of community engagement in enhancing security and development.

He added that findings from the exercise would be compiled into a report and later presented before the college community, while copies would also be shared with relevant authorities and security agencies to support ongoing security efforts. He further appealed to the Benue State Government to nominate representatives to attend the final presentation at the college when scheduled.