Benue State Governor, Rev. Fr. Dr. Hyacinth Iormem Alia, has assured the Nigerian Army of his administration’s unwavering commitment to the successful establishment and operationalization of the newly created 5 Division Headquarters in Makurdi, pledging adequate land, logistics and infrastructural support for the formation and its affiliated units.
The Governor gave the assurance on Tuesday, August 4, 2026, at the Old Banquet Hall, Government House, Makurdi, while receiving the Nigerian Army Headquarters Order of Battle Implementation Committee led by Major General Raymond Terungwa Utsaha. The committee is in Benue to facilitate the implementation of the establishment of formations and units following the creation of new Army divisions across the country.
Governor Alia described the visit as a significant milestone in Benue’s quest for lasting peace and security, noting that the establishment of the 5 Division Headquarters would greatly strengthen the security architecture in the state and the North Central region. He commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for approving the expansion of the Nigerian Army from eight to twelve divisions, describing the decision as a bold demonstration of the Federal Government’s commitment to improving national security.
The Governor also conveyed the appreciation of the people of Benue to the Chief of Army Staff and the Nigerian Army for selecting Makurdi as the headquarters of the newly created 5 Division, while paying tribute to fallen military personnel and civilians who lost their lives in the course of insurgency and insecurity in the state. He congratulated Major General M. K. Gara on his appointment as the pioneer General Officer Commanding of the 5 Division and reaffirmed the state’s commitment to sustaining collaboration with all security agencies.
“As host of the 5 Division Headquarters, Benue State will provide adequate land for all the formations and units to be established. We will also construct and furnish the headquarters of the 5 Division and provide the necessary logistics to ensure a smooth take-off of the formation and its units. These commitments underscore our determination to support the Nigerian Army in restoring lasting peace and ensuring that our people can sleep with both eyes closed,” Governor Alia stated.
Earlier, Major General Raymond Terungwa Utsaha conveyed the goodwill of the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General W. Shaibu, and explained that the committee was on a field assessment to facilitate the operationalization of the newly created 5 Division. He recalled that the Presidential directive of July 23, 2026 expanded the Nigerian Army from eight to twelve divisions with the objective of strengthening troop presence in critical areas, improving response time to security threats, and enhancing the protection of lives and property.
Major General Utsaha disclosed that the newly created 5 Division, with headquarters in Makurdi, will oversee military operations in Benue, Kogi and Nasarawa States, while other new divisions include the 9 Division in Ilorin covering Kwara and Niger States, the 10 Division in Jalingo covering Adamawa and Taraba States, and the 83 Division, which will cover Edo, Delta and Bayelsa States. He noted that the committee would inspect proposed locations for the establishment of formations and units across Benue before proceeding to Kogi State, appealing to local authorities, traditional rulers, religious leaders and community members to cooperate with the team during the exercise.
