Benue State Governor, Hyacinth Alia, has launched a new security formation known as the Quick Response Squad (QRS).
The initiative, according to the state government, is aimed at fast-tracking emergency response and strengthening protection in communities vulnerable to attacks.
The formal unveiling of the squad took place on Wednesday, with Deputy Governor Dr. Sam Ode standing in for Governor Alia at a ceremony that marked the official commencement of the squad’s operations.
The QRS will bring together a mix of security actors, 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 are expected to collaborate closely with the military, the police, and other agencies to bolster intelligence-gathering, community safety, and rapid deployment during emergencies.
Speaking at the launch, Governor Alia, through his deputy, emphasized the importance of swift action in combating insecurity:
“The safety of our people remains a top priority, and this squad is designed to respond quickly and decisively wherever threats may arise.”
The governor added that the new outfit would be deployed to high-risk areas to reinforce existing security measures and provide timely support where needed.
In the lead-up to the launch, there had been growing calls for a more coordinated approach to tackling insecurity in Benue. Among those who lent their voice was the Commander General of the Nigerian Forest Security Service (NFSS), Dr. Joshua Osatimehin, who encouraged the state government to work more closely with the NFSS.
He pointed to a proposed law backing the establishment of the NFSS, noting that it gives the Service legal backing to carry arms and actively operate in forested regions—territories often exploited by criminal elements.
Dr. Osatimehin, who was represented by the Deputy Commander General of Intelligence, Ambassador John Metchie, said the NFSS was well-equipped to sweep through the forests and dislodge criminal groups hiding in remote terrains.
In response to earlier remarks by Governor Alia that local forest guards and vigilantes lacked the firepower to stand against armed gangs, Metchie acknowledged the concern, stating:
“We agree with Governor Alia that local vigilantes and guards cannot protect communities, especially in cases where violent criminals who operate with high-grade weapons are involved.”
He added that the NFSS intends to fill that gap and work in synergy with traditional security agencies.
Metchie also extended condolences to the people of Benue and other states recently affected by violent attacks, particularly to families who lost loved ones. While praising the efforts of the Nigerian military and other law enforcement bodies, he expressed hope that such tragedies would not be repeated.
He further commended President Bola Tinubu for visiting the affected communities and ordering immediate action to apprehend those behind the attacks.
“The Nigerian Forest Security Service sympathises with the government and people of Benue, Plateau and other states recently affected by attacks by violent criminal elements, especially families of the victims,” Metchie said.
He went on to highlight the critical role the NFSS could play if the bill establishing the Service is passed and signed into law. According to him, the NFSS would serve as a vital intelligence asset and operational force in difficult terrains.
“The NFSS believes that when the bill establishing the Service is assented to by His Excellency, President Bola Tinubu, GCFR, a lot more would be achieved through collaborative efforts and synergy, especially in the areas of intelligence gathering and sharing which are critical to security of any nation,” Metchie noted.
Metchie appealed to Governor Alia and other key players across the country to support the NFSS bill, saying the Service could become a game-changer in the ongoing war against criminality.
