The North Central Youth Development and Peace Agenda has commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the Nigerian Armed Forces over what it described as improved security and the return of relative peace to parts of Benue State.

The group also praised the Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Oluyede, for his leadership in military operations aimed at curbing attacks and restoring stability across the North Central region.

In a statement signed by Ambassador Marcus Adams Odoba, the group cited recent operations under Operation Whirl Stroke, including the rescue of seven kidnap victims in Ohimini Local Government Area and the recovery of arms and ammunition during operations against suspected kidnappers in Katsina-Ala.

It said sustained military operations in Guma Local Government Area had also helped maintain relative calm for several months, allowing more than 1,000 internally displaced persons to return to their communities.

“President Tinubu’s firm commitment to securing the North Central, combined with the professional leadership of General Olufemi Oluyede, has brought tangible relief to the people of Benue,” Odoba said.

He said the Armed Forces had demonstrated courage, consistency and strategic focus in efforts to protect lives and property, adding that the return of displaced families was an indication of improved security in some affected communities.

The group said additional troop deployments and improved coordination among security agencies had strengthened the operational capacity of security personnel in Benue and other parts of the North Central.

It also noted plans for the establishment of a new military division covering Benue, Kogi and Nasarawa states, saying the proposed formation could enhance coordination and response to security threats in the region.

According to the group, the Federal Government’s emphasis on collaboration among the military, state governments, traditional institutions and local communities had contributed to the progress recorded in some communities.

It urged the authorities and other stakeholders to sustain the collaboration to prevent a resurgence of attacks and consolidate the gains recorded.

“The collaboration between the President and the Armed Forces under General Oluyede is delivering results that ordinary citizens can feel,” Odoba said.

He cited reported rescues, reduced attacks in some areas and the return of displaced persons as developments that had provided encouragement to residents and youths across the region.

The organisation also called on young people to reject violence and support dialogue, peaceful coexistence and cooperation with security agencies.

It said lasting security would create conditions for economic activity, youth empowerment and development in Benue and other parts of the North Central region.

Odoba expressed confidence that continued government support and sustained security operations would help maintain stability in the region.

He commended officers and men of the Armed Forces for their service and urged all stakeholders to support efforts aimed at protecting communities and ensuring that displaced residents who have returned home can remain there safely.

“The return of peace to parts of Benue is a collective achievement that must be protected,” Odoba said.

“The North Central Youth Development and Peace Agenda remains committed to working with all stakeholders to ensure that this peace endures and expands across the entire North Central region,” he added.