By Usman Aliyu
Benin, Dec. 19, 2026
In a powerful display of inter-agency unity and operational readiness, the Nigerian Army, led by the 4 Brigade, spearheaded a 10-kilometre joint security road march across Benin City, Edo State, on Friday. The exercise, far more than a simple fitness drill, was a meticulously planned public demonstration of the coordinated resolve of Nigeria’s security architecture to combat crime and ensure peace during the festive season and beyond.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the march was commanded by the newly appointed Commander of the 4 Brigade, Nigerian Army, Brigadier-General Ahmed Balogun, who assumed office on December 1, 2026. His personal leadership of the entire route set a definitive tone for the event.
The Unified Front: A Comprehensive Security Coalition
The significance of the march was amplified by the unprecedented gathering of personnel from across the security spectrum. This was not an Army-only exercise, but a true joint task force on the move, comprising:
- Military: Nigerian Army, Nigerian Air Force.
- Law Enforcement & Intelligence: Nigerian Police Force, Department of State Services (DSS), National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA).
- Paramilitary & Regulatory: Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS).
- Civilian Corps: Members of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC).
This convergence is a tactical evolution. Criminal networks often exploit gaps between agencies; such visible, physical synergy closes those gaps publicly and operationally, streamlining communication and response protocols.
The Route: A Strategic Path of Reassurance and Deterrence
The march was strategically routed to maximize visibility and symbolic impact. Commencing at the 4 Brigade headquarters on Golf Course Road (GRA), the column moved through key arterial roads: Dennis Osadebe Avenue, Ikpokpan, Sapele Road, Ring Road (the city’s central roundabout and commercial hub), and Airport Road, before returning to base. This path ensured the message reached residential, commercial, and transit zones, directly reassuring the law-abiding public and presenting a formidable spectacle to potential lawbreakers.
Commander’s Intent: Fitness, Unity, and Public Confidence
Addressing personnel and the public after the exercise, Brig.-Gen. Balogun elucidated the multi-layered objectives. “I did not tell anybody to represent me. I walked the whole distance. It means I am fit, and you are all fit. That is the standard we must maintain,” he stated, emphasizing that operational effectiveness is rooted in physical readiness.
He framed the march as a direct communication to two distinct audiences:
- To the Citizens: “What we have done this morning sends a strong message… It shows that we are united and that we are one… to reassure residents that they can enjoy the Yuletide… and sleep with their two eyes closed.” This public reassurance is a critical, often overlooked, aspect of security—building trust and encouraging community cooperation.
- To Criminal Elements: “We have also sent a message to the bad guys. When they see over 500 of us marching, they know that there is more from where this came from. Those planning evil should rethink…” The show of force acts as a psychological and deterrent patrol, signaling overwhelming, coordinated capability.
Beyond the March: A Blueprint for Sustained Security
Gen. Balogun clarified that the event was both an annual training culmination and a proactive security strategy. He reaffirmed an unwavering commitment to “sustained inter-agency collaboration,” noting that the 4 Brigade would continue to work closely with all sister services. This public declaration is pivotal; it moves collaboration from behind-the-scenes meetings to a publicly accountable promise, fostering a permanent culture of joint operations.
Conclusion: A Model for National Security Posture
This joint road march in Edo transcends a routine military exercise. It represents a modern approach to security governance—one that prioritizes visible unity, public engagement, and holistic deterrence. By leading from the front and marshaling a coalition of agencies, the 4 Brigade has not only showcased fitness but has also laid down a visible marker of a unified, resilient, and confident security front for Edo State. The success of such initiatives hinges on their translation into sustained, day-to-day collaborative operations, making the streets safer through both presence and partnership. (NAN)
Edited by Tosin Kolade
