Kwande Local Government Area has taken a major step toward strengthening security following an inspection of a proposed Army Barracks site at Imande Dura in Moon Council Ward, Turan District.
The Executive Chairman of Kwande LGA and Benue State ALGON Chairman, Rt. Hon. Vitalis Terhile Neji, led a high-powered delegation from the Nigerian Army Headquarters on the inspection visit. The military team was headed by Brig. Gen. K.O. Bukoye, Commander of the 401 Special Forces Brigade and Sector 1 Commander of Operation Whirl Stroke, and included senior officers such as Maj. Gen. Raymond T. Utsaha and Maj. Gen. M.K. Gara.
Speaking during the exercise, Neji described the proposed barracks as a significant breakthrough in the fight against insecurity in Kwande. He attributed the development to sustained engagement with relevant authorities and expressed appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Benue State Governor Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia for their commitment to restoring peace in the area. He also urged traditional rulers and community leaders to cooperate fully to ensure the successful delivery of the project.
Addressing stakeholders, Maj. Gen. Raymond T. Utsaha assured residents that the Nigerian Army is committed to accelerating the process. He noted that President Tinubu is fully aware of the security challenges affecting Kwande and the strategic importance of the Nigeria-Cameroon border. The establishment of the barracks, he said, would strengthen security, support the return of displaced residents to their ancestral homes, and create an enabling environment for farming and development.
On behalf of the Turan community, TUDA President Mr. Ahaa Bichi expressed appreciation to the Federal Government, Governor Alia and Rt. Hon. Vitalis Terhile Neji for prioritising the security needs of the area. He reaffirmed the community’s support for the proposed location at Imande Dura.
The proposed Army Barracks is expected to significantly enhance security operations in Kwande and surrounding communities, marking another important milestone in ongoing efforts to restore lasting peace and promote development across the local government.
