Governor Alia Launches Quick Response Squad to Boost Security in Benue

Benue State Governor, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia, has unveiled a new security outfit, the Quick Response Squad (QRS), aimed at enhancing rapid emergency response and protecting communities vulnerable to attacks.

The QRS was officially launched on Wednesday in a ceremony presided over by Deputy Governor Dr. Sam Ode, who represented Governor Alia. The unit brings together multiple security stakeholders, including the Civilian Protection Guard (CPG), Nigerian Forest Security Service (NFSS), Vigilante Group of Nigeria (VGN), local hunters, and the Joint Task Force (JTF). These groups will collaborate closely with conventional forces such as the military and police to improve intelligence gathering, rapid deployment, and overall security coordination.

Governor Alia emphasized the urgency of the initiative:

“The safety of our people remains a top priority, and this squad is designed to respond quickly and decisively wherever threats may arise.”

The squad is expected to be deployed to high-risk areas across the state, complementing existing security structures and ensuring a more coordinated defense against rising insecurity.

Speaking at the event, Dr. Joshua Osatimehin, Commander General of the NFSS—represented by Deputy Commander General of Intelligence, Ambassador John Metchie—advocated for greater collaboration between the state government and NFSS. He stressed that the Service, backed by a proposed federal law, is equipped to operate in forested regions often used as hideouts by criminal groups.

Metchie echoed concerns previously raised by Governor Alia about the limited firepower of local guards, adding:

“We agree with Governor Alia that local vigilantes and guards cannot protect communities, especially where violent criminals with high-grade weapons are involved.”

He called for the urgent passage of the NFSS establishment bill, asserting that once signed into law, the Service would serve as a powerful intelligence and operational force, particularly in hard-to-reach areas.

Metchie also expressed condolences to the families affected by recent violent attacks in Benue, Plateau, and other states, and commended President Bola Tinubu for his proactive response.

“The NFSS believes that when the bill is assented to by President Tinubu, a lot more can be achieved through collaboration and intelligence sharing, which are critical to national security,” he added.

Metchie urged Governor Alia and other stakeholders across Nigeria to support the NFSS initiative as a key strategy in tackling insecurity nationwide.