Benue Governor Hyacinth Alia launches Quick Response Squad to strengthen state security operations.
The multi-agency unit will swiftly respond to distress calls and protect communities facing violent threats.
In a bold move to bolster the fight against insecurity and criminal activities across Benue State, Governor Hyacinth Alia has officially introduced a new security formation known as the Quick Response Squad (QRS). The initiative is part of ongoing efforts by the state government to ensure faster and more effective intervention in crisis-prone and vulnerable areas.
The QRS was formally inaugurated on behalf of Governor Alia by his Deputy, Dr. Sam Ode, during a brief but significant ceremony that underscored the administration’s commitment to safeguarding lives and property. Speaking at the event, Dr. Ode described the creation of the Quick Response Squad as a “critical step forward” in addressing the growing security challenges that have plagued various parts of the state.
“This is more than just a security initiative it is a symbol of our resolve to protect every community in Benue from the threats of violence, banditry, and insurgency,” he stated.
The newly launched squad is a multi-agency coalition comprising operatives from the Civilian Protection Guard (CPG), Vigilante Group of Nigeria (VGN), local hunters, and the Joint Task Force (JTF). This collaborative approach aims to harness local intelligence, traditional knowledge of the terrain, and inter-agency coordination to deliver faster and more targeted responses to emergencies.
Officials say the QRS will operate as a mobile and agile force, equipped to respond rapidly to any signs of distress in both rural and urban communities. It is expected to work closely with local stakeholders, traditional rulers, and community-based organizations to improve surveillance and early warning systems.
Security analysts believe the combination of formal security actors and local operatives could be key to reducing response time and deterring attacks, especially in areas previously considered hard to access or neglected by conventional forces.
Residents across Benue have welcomed the initiative, with many expressing hope that the presence of the Quick Response Squad will restore a sense of safety and normalcy to their daily lives. Over the past few years, the state has witnessed a surge in violent attacks, kidnappings, and communal conflicts, leading to widespread displacement and fear.
Governor Alia, a Catholic priest-turned-politician, has repeatedly emphasized that improving security remains a top priority for his administration. The QRS, according to his aides, will be fully supported with training, logistics, and operational resources to ensure its long-term success.
