Benue Attack: OPWS Commander Disputes Intelligence Claim, Warns Against Spreading False Information
Benue Attack: OPWS Commander Disputes Intelligence Claim, Warns Against Spreading False Information
The Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS) Force Commander, Major General Moses Gara, has rubbished a media report claiming the military had prior intelligence about the June 13, 2025, Benue attacks but failed to act. Gara described the report as “false, misleading, and cyberbullying” aimed at undermining the military’s reputation.
He condemned the journalism as irresponsible, lacking evidence, and professional integrity, noting that OPWS received no such memo from the DSS.
“There is no evidence to show that such a memo was ever received at this Headquarters. If the medium or any other party is in possession of such a document, they should produce proof that it was formally dispatched and received at Headquarters OPWS,” he said.
He explained that while threat alerts and intelligence reports are routine in counter-insurgency operations, each is assessed with urgency and strategic evaluation. However, the asymmetric nature of such threats—particularly the ability of criminal elements to blend with civilian populations—makes predicting the timing and location of attacks challenging.
Major General Gara reaffirmed the military’s commitment to protecting lives and property across its area of responsibility, which includes Benue, Nasarawa, and Taraba States.
He urged the public to rely on verified information and refrain from spreading unsubstantiated reports that could incite fear or erode trust in security institutions.
He also appealed to media organizations to maintain high standards of professionalism, especially when reporting on national security matters.
This kind of misleading publication does more harm than good. It demoralizes our troops, misinforms the public, and emboldens criminal elements,” he said.
