By Winnie Onu, Makurdi
The Force Commander of Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS), Major General Moses Gara, on Tuesday, hosted the Vice Chancellor of Joseph Sarwuan Tarka University, Makurdi (JOSTUM), Professor NIsaac Itodo, at the OPWS Headquarters in Makurdi.
The visit, which harped on the growing collaboration between security forces and academic institutions in Nigeria’s troubled North Central zone, comes in the wake of persistent security threats facing the university community, including the past abduction of three female students.
During the courtesy call, Professor Itodo highlighted the urgent security challenges at JOSTUM, pointing to the institution’s unfenced boundaries and vulnerability to criminal intrusion.
He appealed for the deployment of troops to the campus, emphasising that a visible military presence would boost morale, restore confidence, and foster a safer academic environment.
“A visible military presence would restore confidence, reduce fear, and ultimately create an environment more suitable for academic excellence,” he stated.
Responding, Major General Gara lauded the university’s proactive engagement and reaffirmed the readiness of OPWS to support measures aimed at safeguarding the academic community.
He advised the university to install surveillance systems, such as CCTV cameras and emergency alert mechanisms, and to promote security awareness through community outreach and radio sensitisation campaigns.
The visit concluded with the signing of the visitors’ book, exchange of souvenirs, light refreshments, and group photographs to further symbolise the deepening bond between the military and the academic sector.
Operation Whirl Stroke is a joint military initiative tasked with tackling armed banditry, herder-farmer clashes, and other violent crimes across Benue and neighboring states of Nasarawa and Taraba.
