By Zagazola Makama
The Commanding Officer of Special Intervention Battalion 11, Lt.-Col. Donatus Otobo, says a combination of aggressive military operations and sustained peacebuilding initiatives has restored relative peace in Guma Local Government Area of Benue, leading to the return of more than 1,000 internally displaced persons (IDPs) to their ancestral communities.
“The Chief of Army Staff considers this battalion a priority. Army Headquarters regularly checks on our welfare and operational requirements.
“He personally visited this location in March and directed immediate action on the challenges we presented.
“Within a week, the required support and equipment were provided.
“A few days ago, Army Headquarters also supported us in completing one of our structures that we require for operational purposes.
“We receive tremendous support from Army Headquarters and the 401 Special Forces Brigade, and that has contributed significantly to our success,” he said.
The commander further disclosed that the Army Chief had instituted a monitoring mechanism for all COAS Intervention Battalions across the country through designated desk officers who provide direct feedback on operational and welfare issues.
“The Chief of Army Staff has established a system where our challenges are reported every week.
“Any issue requiring immediate attention is addressed promptly. That has made a huge difference in our operational effectiveness,” he said.
Otobo said the welfare of troops had remained a top priority, noting that regular and timely payment of allowances had helped maintain high morale among personnel deployed in the area.
“The morale of my troops is very high because everything they need is provided.
“Their feeding arrangements are adequate, their allowances are paid ahead of time and we have not experienced delays in payments.
“When troops are properly motivated and supported, they remain focused on their mission and that is exactly what we are seeing here,” he said.
He reaffirmed the battalion’s commitment to sustaining the current peace, protecting lives and property and ensuring that displaced communities continue to rebuild their lives in a secure environment.
“We will continue to maintain pressure on criminal elements and sustain the gains we have achieved.
“Our objective is to ensure that the peace currently being enjoyed in Guma and parts of Makurdi becomes permanent and that residents can continue their normal lives without fear,” Otobo said. (Zagazola Makama)
