By Winnie Onu, Makurdi
The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Gwabin Musa, and the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Olufemi Olatubosun Oluyede, have delivered a major consignment of combat and mobility equipment to the Headquarters of Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS) in Makurdi, Benue State.
The items are meant to enhance mobility and operational efficiency of military troops in the North Central States.
According to a statement by OPWS spokesman, Lieutenant Ahmad Zubairu, the newly deployed assets include Troop-Carrying Vehicles (TCVs), gun trucks, personal protective equipment, and over 100 motorcycles.
“The newly deployed assets comprising Troops-Carrying Vehicles (TCVs), Gun Trucks, Personal Protective Equipment and over 100 motorcycles are aimed at boosting tactical agility, force protection, and the overall combat readiness of troops operating in the region against persistent asymmetric threats,” the statement reads in part.
Force Commander of JTF OPWS, Major General Moses Gara, while acknowledging the development on Thursday, 19 June 2025, noted that the delivery reflects the Defence Headquarters’ commitment to fostering synergy across military and security agencies.
He said that the strategic deployment of gun trucks by the CDS demonstrates a focus on enhancing mobility and survivability, while the motorcycles provided by the COAS are expected to significantly improve rapid response capability in rugged terrains.
General Gara also acknowledged the support of the Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Hasan Bala Abubakar, for deploying additional air platforms to the theatre as he said the increased air support would boost surveillance, reconnaissance, and close air support for ground forces.
He further disclosed that the new equipment would be immediately integrated into ongoing clearance and stabilization missions, thereby extending troop reach, improving situational awareness, and reinforcing morale.
The Force Commander added that the strategic reinforcement reflects the Armed Forces’ sustained commitment to restoring peace and ensuring national security across troubled areas.
