By Chuks Oyema-Aziken
The Nigerian Army has deployed a special forces intervention battalion to Plateau State following a resurgence of banditry and violent attacks that have heightened insecurity and fear among residents in several communities.
According to a press release written by Captain Chinonso Polycarp Oteh, Media Information Officer, Joint Task Force Operation ENDURING PEACE, the deployment was approved by the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, who authorized the immediate movement of the Chief of Army Staff Intervention Battalion to reinforce ongoing military operations in the state.
Plateau State has in recent weeks witnessed renewed incidents of bandit attacks, killings, and criminal violence, particularly in rural areas, prompting heightened security concerns and calls for decisive military action to stem the crisis.
The special forces troops, who have already arrived in Plateau State, are expected to carry out aggressive and decisive operations against bandit groups, with military authorities describing the deployment as a potential game changer in addressing the security challenges confronting the state.
The troops were received at the Headquarters of 3 Division of the Nigerian Army by the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 3 Division and Commander of Joint Task Force Operation ENDURING PEACE, Major General Folusho Oyinlola. He was represented by the Chief of Staff, Operation ENDURING PEACE, Brigadier General Senlong Sule.
Major General Oyinlola urged the troops to be resolute in executing offensive operations against criminal elements and to deny bandits freedom of action across Plateau State.
He also commended the proactive leadership of the Chief of Army Staff for providing the necessary combat enablers and logistics to ensure effective operations.
The Army appealed to residents not to panic over increased troop movements and the presence of heavy military equipment, assuring the public that the deployment is aimed at restoring peace and protecting lives and property.
The military further called on citizens to continue supporting security efforts by providing timely and actionable intelligence on the whereabouts of criminal elements, stressing that community cooperation remains critical to ending insecurity in Plateau State.
