In response to the recent surge in disturbances in Mangu Local Government Area of Plateau State, the Chief of Army Staff (CoAS), Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja, has issued a firm directive to the 3 Division Nigerian Army and the Joint Task Force Operation Safe Haven.
The Director of Army Public Relations, Major General Onyema Nwachukwu confirmed these developments in a statement released on Saturday.
He said during an operational tour to Plateau, Gen Lagbaja instructed the troops to adopt a more aggressive posture and decisively eliminate terrorists responsible for causing mayhem in Plateau and neighboring states.
Acknowledging the complexity of the security situation, with its political, cultural, and economic intricacies, Gen Lagbaja emphasized the need for a robust response to bring about lasting peace.
He urged the troops to intensify efforts in neutralizing those disrupting the peace, emphasizing the importance of protecting lives and property.
Gen Lagbaja commended the troops for their vigilance and the containment of the crisis within Mangu Local Government Area.
Inspecting recovered arms and ammunition, he expressed confidence in the troops’ resilience and charged them to spare no effort in restoring peace and tranquility not only on the Plateau but also in other troubled parts of the country.
During discussions with Major General Abdusalam Abubakar, the General Officer Commanding 3 Division, and the Commander of Operation Safe Haven, Gen Lagbaja highlighted the multifaceted nature of the conflicts, attributing their prolonged duration and increased lethality to a combination of political, cultural, and economic factors.
Emphasizing the importance of trust and adherence to rules of engagement, Gen Lagbaja urged the troops to maintain discipline and responsibility in their operations.
He acknowledged the challenges faced by the troops but assured that any misconduct would be met with the full force of the law.
He clarified that the deployment of troops is based on operational requirements and not influenced by ethnic or religious considerations.
In a courtesy visit to Plateau State Governor Barr Caleb Mutfwang, Gen Lagbaja expressed gratitude for the state government’s efforts in ensuring peace on the Plateau.
The CoAS emphasized the marching orders given to the troops to enforce law and order decisively. Governor Mutfwang, in response, affirmed his confidence in the capability of the Nigerian Army and emphasized the collective responsibility of the civil populace in maintaining security.
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