The Benue State Government has launched the Quick Response Squad (QRS), a special joint task force designed to rapidly respond to security threats across the state.
The launch took place on Tuesday at the headquarters of the outfit, located opposite Miva Rice Mill on Gboko Road in Makurdi, with Deputy Governor, Dr. Sam Ode performing the ceremony.
The QRS is a collaborative effort between various security agencies, including the Benue State Civil Protection Guards, Vigilante Group of Nigeria, and Nigerian Forest and Security Services. The squad’s primary goal is to support and complement the work of conventional security agencies.
He emphasized the need for loyalty and cooperation between the QRS and established security structures.
“This squad, being commissioned today, is a further demonstration of our resolve to combat insecurity with vigor. It is a joint task force of various security arms, initiated by the Governor to support and complement the work of conventional agencies,” Dr. Ode said.
He also announced that plans are underway to establish a Benue State Security Trust Fund to support the QRS and other security efforts in the state.
Special Adviser to the Governor on Internal Security, Hon. Joseph Har, described the Quick Response Squad (QRS) as a “Benue model” attracting attention from other states. He emphasized that the QRS is designed to support conventional security agencies, ensuring a visible presence in all council wards.
“With this launch, residents of Makurdi can now sleep with both eyes closed,” Har said, warning cultists and criminal elements to desist from their activities.
State Commander of the QRS, Rtd. Captain Ayuma Ajobi, praised the initiative, stating, “This is an elite squad, formed with the vision of being the first responders to any emerging crisis.” Ajobi expressed gratitude for the Governor’s support, noting that the QRS owes its existence to his leadership.
In a good will message, Benue State Commandant of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Bitrus Alice Larai represented by the Deputy Commandant of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), DC Ota Williams, described the QRS as a timely intervention that will boost intelligence gathering and reinforce conventional security agencies. “Intelligence is the bedrock of security. Share information—this is how we succeed,” Larai advised.
Also speaking, Makurdi Local Government Chairman, Hon. Joseph Keffi, assured of continuous support for the QRS. “This is a laudable achievement, and we are proud to be part of it,” Keffi said, urging QRS officers to approach their duties with dedication and responsibility.
The QRS is expected to enhance grassroots security and community protection, with a presence in all 23 local government areas and 276 council wards. Citizens can reach the QRS via emergency lines: 09011777702 and 09011777703.
