Dear Nigerian Army Headquarters,
I read reports that the Headquarters of the 11 Brigade has been relocated to Gboko. While this is a welcome development and demonstrates the Nigerian Army’s commitment to tackling insecurity in Benue State, I respectfully submit that the chosen location may not achieve the desired operational objectives.
The primary purpose of establishing a military brigade is to provide a rapid and effective response to security threats. Unfortunately, Gboko is still considerably distant from the major insecurity hotspots in Benue North-East Senatorial District.
In strategic planning, whether in business or security operations, location is a critical factor. A military formation should ideally be positioned close to the areas where its presence is most needed. Locating the brigade within or near the affected communities would significantly reduce response time and improve operational effectiveness.
The Nigerian Army, military strategists, security experts, and well-meaning sons and daughters of Benue should carefully consider this perspective.
It is difficult to understand the strategic justification for siting the brigade in Gboko when the Headquarters of the 5 Division Nigerian Army is already located in Makurdi, less than 100 kilometres away. Meanwhile, the distance from Gboko to the major conflict areas in Kwande East (Turan and Ikyurav-Ya), Katsina-Ala East (Shitile), Logo ( Shitile and Turan area), and parts of Ukum exceeds 250 kilometres. In addition, many of the roads leading to these communities are in poor condition, making rapid deployment difficult.
Under these circumstances, locating the brigade in Gboko may not deliver the level of security intervention expected by the people.
MY SUGGESTION:
I respectfully appeal to the military hierarchy to review this decision in the interest of operational efficiency. To effectively support President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s efforts to combat insecurity in Benue State, the brigade should be located within Benue North-East Senatorial District, which remains the epicentre of the security challenges confronting the state.
Suitable locations include Katsina-Ala, Ukum, Logo, or Kwande Local Government Areas. These local governments are relatively close to one another, with an approximate distance of about 120 kilometres between them, and are connected by more accessible road networks than the routes from Gboko to the affected communities.
Taking this decision based on operational realities rather than administrative convenience, political considerations, or sentiment would greatly strengthen security operations and improve the military’s ability to protect lives and property in Zone A of Benue State.
I make this submission without prejudice or sentiment, but in the sincere hope of contributing to a more effective security strategy for our people.
Yours faithfully,
AMANDE MSUGHTER SOLOMON
Criminologist | Social Commentator | PR Manager.
08062895236.
CC.
HQ Nigerian Army
Sen. Emmanuel Udende
Chief Michael Msuaan
Hon. Prince Solomon Wombo
Hon. Sesoo Gboko
All Local Government Chairmen of ,Katsina-Ala, Ukum, Logo, and Kwande.
