Alia launches Quick Response Squad to tackle security threats in Benue

|By Adejumo Adekunle

Benue State Governor, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia, has launched a new security initiative known as the Quick Response Squad (QRS) to boost the state’s capacity for rapid intervention in security emergencies.

Speaking through his deputy, Dr. Sam Ode, at the official inauguration ceremony, Governor Alia said the QRS would serve as a frontline defence against threats, especially in communities frequently targeted by bandits and criminal elements.

The Quick Response Squad is a composite security outfit that brings together personnel from the Civilian Protection Guard (CPG), the Vigilante Group of Nigeria (VGN), local hunters, and the Joint Task Force (JTF). This collaboration, according to the state government, is designed to create a force that understands the terrain, acts swiftly, and coordinates effectively to restore public confidence.

“The days when our people live in fear are numbered,” Governor Alia said through his representative. “With the launch of the QRS, we are not only sending a message to criminals but also reassuring every Benue citizen that their safety is a top priority.”

He stressed that the state government remains committed to empowering local structures that promote community-driven security while ensuring that these outfits operate within legal and professional boundaries.

The QRS, which has already undergone tactical training, will be stationed in strategic locations, particularly in rural and vulnerable areas, to ensure swift deployment during emergencies.

Residents in Benue, who have endured frequent attacks and insecurity in recent years, have welcomed the initiative as a timely intervention that may begin to ease their burden.

More operational details and deployment schedules are expected to be made public in the coming days.