The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has firmly refuted allegations suggesting that internal sabotage within the Nigerian military played a role in the recent Yelwata massacre in Benue State, describing the claims as baseless and unsupported by credible evidence.
In a statement released on Tuesday by the Director of Defence Information, Brigadier General Tukur Gusau, the DHQ warned that such accusations are not only “misleading” but also distract from the deeper issues driving violence in the region.
“The attention of the Defence Headquarters has been drawn to recent claims suggesting that internal sabotage within the Nigerian military contributed to the tragic events in Yelwata, Benue State. These claims are unfounded and not supported by credible evidence,” the statement said.
Brigadier General Gusau reiterated that the Nigerian Armed Forces have maintained a consistent stance of non-involvement in the massacre. He cited remarks by the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Gwabin Musa, who had publicly distanced the military from the killings.
“The Nigerian military has consistently denied any involvement in the massacre. The Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Gwabin Musa, has publicly stated that the military was not responsible for the killings in Yelwata,” Gusau affirmed.
The DHQ emphasized that no investigation—whether internal or by independent human rights organizations—has established any link between the armed forces and the perpetrators of the violence.
According to the statement, “The violence in Yelwata is part of a broader pattern of intercommunal clashes in Nigeria’s Middle Belt region, primarily between farmers and herders. These conflicts are driven by longstanding disputes over land and grazing rights, ethnic tensions, and competition for resources.”
Rather than propagate unfounded theories, the DHQ urged stakeholders to channel efforts toward addressing the root causes of conflict.
“Accusations of sabotage within the military detract from the real issues at play. It is essential to focus on addressing the root causes of intercommunal violence and to support efforts aimed at dialogue, reconciliation, and sustainable peace,” Gusau stressed.
General Musa, the statement added, has continued to advocate for a joint approach to peacebuilding, calling for stronger collaboration between communities and security agencies.
“He has called for a holistic approach and urged communities not to shield criminals. The military and other security agencies are there to protect the lives and property of law-abiding citizens,” the DHQ noted.
The Defence Headquarters concluded by reaffirming the military’s unwavering commitment to professionalism, national security, and the protection of civilian lives across the country.