Herdsmen clashes: Military launches six-week operation in Benue, Nasarawa, Taraba

The Nigerian army says it will launch a military operation,  “Ayem Akpatuma’’ — meaning “cat race” in Tiv — in Benue, Taraba, Nasarawa, Kogi, Niger and Kaduna states.

The operation, expected to last between February 15 and March 31, is to curb herdsmen attacks.

David Ahmadu, chief training and operations, confirmed the development on Wednesday.

“More so, Exercise Ayem Akpatuma has become more expedient due to upsurge in cases of armed banditry, kidnapping and cattle rustling in Kaduna and Niger States as well as other sundry crimes in Kogi State and herdsmen/farmers clashes and attacks on innocent members of our communities, particularly in Benue, Taraba and Nasarawa States by armed militias,” Ahmadu said.

“These security challenges have continued unabatedly in these states despite the efforts by sister security agencies to curb them.

“The need for troops to be exercised, refreshed and to imbibe the requisite skills to cope with these emerging security challenges within the 1 and 3Divisions including Headquarters, Army Records, Guards Brigade and 707 Special Forces Brigade Areas of Responsibility in aid of civil authority.”

According to Ahmadu, the exercise would be conducted in conjunction with other security agencies including the Department of State Services (DSS), police and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC).

He said the collaboration will also afford the troops the opportunity to effectively checkmate the dreadful activities of the “marauding criminal militias” perpetrating criminal acts in those states and their environs.

He also said the exercise would be unique as “Step-Up Brigade Headquarters’’ would be established in the six states.

“It will also provide an avenue to conduct operations against violent criminals when called upon,’’ he said.

“Emphasis will be placed on raids, cordon-and-search operations, anti-kidnapping drills, road blocks, checkpoints and show of force, as well as humanitarian activities such as medical outreach.”

During his visit to Nasarawa on Tuesday, President Muhammadu Buhari ordered a crackdown on those behind the violence in that region.