Nigeria’s Defence Headquarters has dismissed suggestions that internal sabotage within the armed forces contributed to the deadly attacks in Yelwata, a community in Benue State.
Reacting to media speculation and public concern, Brigadier-General Tukur Gusau, spokesperson for the Nigerian military, said on Tuesday that the claims were “entirely unfounded” and lacked credible evidence.
He stated that the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, had consistently denied any military involvement in the Yelwata massacre, insisting the armed forces were not linked in any capacity to the incident.
“The military maintains a strong stance on the protection of civilians and the rule of law,” Gusau said. “There is absolutely no basis to the claims of sabotage from within.”
Gusau added that independent inquiries and assessments by both domestic and international human rights observers had failed to implicate the military in the events. He described the massacre as part of a broader and deeply rooted conflict in Nigeria’s Middle Belt, where disputes between farmers and herders have triggered recurring violence for years.
“These conflicts are driven by historical grievances, land use competition, and ethnic tensions. Assigning blame to the military for internal sabotage only muddies the waters and hinders efforts to understand and resolve the underlying issues,” he said.
General Musa has reportedly called for a “holistic approach” to peacebuilding in the region, stressing the importance of cooperation between local communities and the security sector. He also urged citizens not to shield criminal elements within their midst.
“The military, alongside other security services, stands ready to protect lives and property. However, sustainable peace will only be achieved through collective responsibility and transparent cooperation,” the Defence Headquarters concluded.
