The Special Task Force Operation Safe Haven (OPSH) has denied a viral video claiming that there was a clash between soldiers and policemen in Plateau State.
It is important to set the record straight and clarify that this video was nothing more than a malicious and deliberate attempt by troublemakers to undermine the collaborative relationship that exists between security agencies.
To provide the accurate sequence of events, on February 3, 2024, troops who were enforcing the curfew declared by the Plateau State Government in Mangu, came across two men and a lady in front of a hotel.
These two men, who were in civil dress, failed to identify themselves as police officers or provide any justification for being outside during curfew hours. When the troops requested that they comply with the curfew, a minor misunderstanding arose, leading to the men in civil dress later identified as police personnel mobilizing their colleagues who subsequently fired teargas canisters at the troops.
However, the swift intervention of the Commander of the troops on the ground and the Divisional Police Officer Mangu, led to the amicable resolution of the situation within a few minutes.
Therefore, we would like to make it abundantly clear that the viral video which was made long after troops left the scene suggesting that troops invaded a Police Station in Mangu and released days after the incident is the work of individuals seeking to incite discord between the military and the Nigeria Police Force in Plateau State with the aim of disrupting the harmonious relationship that exists while promoting their own agenda.
These attempts will not in any way affect the existing bond between our troops and other security agencies in their joint efforts to restore peace in Mangu. We urge the public to disregard such malicious and false narratives and continue to support the joint and combined efforts of our troops and other security agencies in maintaining peace and security in the entire state.
