Benue Governor Hyacinth Alia commits state support for the Nigerian Army's new 5 Division headquarters in Makurdi, part of a nationwide expansion from 8 to 12 divisions.
.jpg)
Makurdi — August 4, 2026
Benue State Governor, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Iormem Alia, has assured the Nigerian Army of his administration's full cooperation in establishing the newly approved Army 5 Division headquarters in Makurdi, describing the development as a major boost to the state's security architecture.
The governor made the commitment while hosting members of the Army Headquarters Implementation Committee at the Old Banquet Hall of Government House, Makurdi, on Tuesday.
The delegation was led by Major General Raymond T. Utsaha and included Major General M.K. Gara, who has been appointed pioneer General Officer Commanding (GOC) of the new division.
Part of a Nationwide Military Expansion
The new formation forms part of the Nigerian Army's broader restructuring, which is expanding the country's divisional command structure from eight to twelve divisions nationwide.
The Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, recently approved the appointment of GOCs for each of the newly created divisions as part of that expansion, aimed at strengthening military operations and command coverage across the country.
Governor Alia said the establishment of the division and other approved military formations and units in Benue would significantly boost security operations in the state and enhance the ability of security forces to protect lives and property.
He pledged that the state government would provide land for all approved formations and cover the logistical requirements needed for a smooth take-off.
A Long-Awaited Military Presence
The governor said residents of Benue had long hoped for a stronger, more permanent military presence in the state, given years of persistent security challenges linked to communal violence, armed herders, and criminal activity that have displaced thousands of people and disrupted farming across what is traditionally regarded as Nigeria's food basket.
He thanked President Bola Tinubu for approving the new Army formations and specifically for locating the 5 Division headquarters in Benue, and extended appreciation to the Chief of Army Staff and Army leadership for the decision.
Alia also paid tribute to soldiers and security personnel who have lost their lives defending the state, and congratulated Major General Gara on his appointment as pioneer GOC, pledging continued state cooperation with the division going forward.
The Army Headquarters Implementation Committee's visit is expected to accelerate preparations for operationalizing the 5 Division headquarters, alongside other military installations approved for the state.
More on Benue