The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, has approved the immediate deployment of the Chief of Army Staff Intervention Battalion, a special forces unit, to Plateau State to tackle the resurgence of banditry and insecurity in the area.
This was disclosed on Monday by the Media Information Officer of the Joint Task Force, Operation ENDURING PEACE, Captain Chinonso Polycarp Oteh, in a press statement.
According to the statement, the special forces troops, who have already arrived in the state, are expected to deal decisively and aggressively with criminal elements, a move described as a potential game changer in restoring peace and security across affected communities.
The troops were received at the Headquarters of 3 Division, 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.
While welcoming the troops, Major General Oyinlola urged them to remain decisive and uncompromising in the conduct of offensive operations against bandits and other criminal elements. He commended the proactive leadership of the Chief of Army Staff for deploying the special forces, as well as for providing critical combat enablers and logistical support to ensure the effective execution of their mandate.
The GOC also appealed to residents of Plateau State to remain calm and not panic over the increased movement of troops and heavy military equipment across the state. He thanked citizens for their continued cooperation with security agencies and called for sustained support, particularly through the provision of timely and actionable intelligence on the activities and locations of criminal elements.
He expressed confidence that the ongoing operations, supported by the newly deployed special forces, would significantly enhance security efforts and lead to lasting peace in Plateau State.
