Retired Brigadier General SK Usman has strongly refuted claims made in a recent editorial by The Punch newspaper regarding the Nigerian Army's operations in Benue State, describing the publication as "riddled with factual inaccuracies" and "a fabrication in search of scapegoat."

In his detailed response, Usman, who served in the military for over 35 years before retiring in 2019, challenged the June 17, 2025 editorial titled "Benue Carnage: Beyond Army Chief's Relocation," stating that the newspaper based its entire narrative on false information.

No Relocation Announcement Made

"I have searched exhaustively and cannot recall, nor find any record of, the Chief of Army Staff or any organ of the Nigerian Army announcing a relocation to Makurdi, as was alleged. That claim is entirely fabricated," Usman stated.

The retired general defended Lieutenant General OO Oluyede, the current Chief of Army Staff (COAS), describing him as a professional who is "not a man given to media stunts or superficial gestures" but rather one whose leadership is characterized by "quiet diligence and a deep understanding of Nigeria's complex security terrain."

Active Military Operations in North-Central

According to Usman, military formations including Operation WHIRL PUNCH, Operation WHIRL STROKE, and the 401 Special Forces Brigade are actively working in collaboration with other security agencies in the region, delivering results under challenging conditions.

"The suggestion that 'little has changed' in Benue because the COAS allegedly relocated is not only baseless; it is a cynical distortion of the facts," he emphasized, adding that Lieutenant General Oluyede does periodically visit military locations but never announced a formal relocation.

Questioning Editorial Motives

Usman expressed concern about what he perceives as a pattern of "ill-informed publications" by The Punch that "seem designed to generate controversy and discredit public institutions, especially the military, without justification."

He highlighted Lieutenant General Oluyede's achievements since his appointment in September 2024, noting that under his leadership, the Nigerian Army has recorded "tremendous achievements" across various operational theaters.

"It is deeply disappointing that a newspaper of The Punch's standing would publish an editorial based entirely on fiction. It betrays a lack of journalistic rigour and a worrying eagerness to sensationalise a national tragedy for editorial impact," Usman stated.

Call for Responsible Journalism

The retired general urged the newspaper to be more measured in its editorial judgments and to verify information before publication, especially on matters of national security.

"Nigeria stands at a critical crossroads. It is not a time for careless conjecture or the luxury of false narratives," he concluded, calling for support for those "working earnestly to defend our country."

Brigadier General SK Usman (rtd), who described himself as a security and strategic communication expert, made these remarks in what appears to be a direct response to The Punch's editorial on the security situation in Benue State.

Follow BenriNews on Facebook | Twitter | LinkedIn | WhatsApp | Telegram