The Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, has approved the immediate deployment of over 850 additional troops to strengthen ongoing military operations in Plateau State following a surge in attacks on civilians.
The reinforcement comes after a recent assault in the Angwan Rukuba area of Jos North, which left at least 28 people dead.
The Media Information Officer for the Joint Task Force, Captain Chinonso Oteh, confirmed the deployment in a statement on Thursday. He said the new personnel will support troops already on the ground to de-escalate tensions and restore law and order across affected areas of the state.
“In a swift and decisive move to contain the escalating security situation in parts of Plateau State, the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, has approved the immediate deployment of additional troops to strengthen ongoing operations under Operation ENDURING PEACE,” the statement partly read.
While addressing troops at the Headquarters of the Joint Task Force in Jos, the army chief charged them to remain professional, disciplined, and firm in dealing with criminal elements threatening the peace and security of law-abiding citizens.
He assured the personnel that adequate logistics and combat enablers have been provided to ensure the effective execution of their mission.
The new troops are tasked with protecting lives and property and ensuring the safety of residents across the state.
Following the March 29 attack, the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, had also ordered the deployment of Police Mobile Force units and other tactical teams to Plateau State.
