The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt. Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, has ordered troops to take more aggressive action against terrorists unleashing mayhem in Plateau state.
The order came following the killing of over 30 people in Mangu Local Government Area of the state.
In a statement on Saturday,
the Director, Army Public Relations, Maj. Gen. Onyema Nwachukwu, said the COAS gave the order during an operational tour of Mangu Local Government Area of Plateau state on Saturday following terrorists attacks.
The army chief expressed confidence that the troops will be more resilient and leave no stone unturned in ensuring that peace and tranquility are restored on the Plateau and other troubled parts of the country.
“The COAS ordered troops of the 3 Division Nigerian Army and the Joint Task Force Operation Safe Haven to adopt a more aggressive posture and decisively stamp out terrorists causing mayhem in Plateau and contiguous states”, the statement reads.
“Gen Lagbaja was on an operational tour to Plateau, following a recent disruption of peace in Mangu Local Government Area of Plateau State.
“The Army Chief also ordered troops to go hard on those disturbing the peace of the Plateau and neutralise any terrorist annihilating people and burning or destroying property and other economic valuables.”
Onyema also said the COAS, at the 3 Division, was briefed that the attacks were recurring because they had a political background with cultural sentiment.
Lagbaja noted that the security dynamics on the Plateau are complex due to its political background, interwoven with cultural and economic sentiments adding that this is responsible for the prolonged duration of the conflicts and the escalation in its lethality.
The COAS inspected the arms and ammunition recovered by the troops and commended them for not allowing the crisis to escalate to other parts of the state.
He urged the troops to live up to the expectations of all peace-loving and law-abiding residents of the Plateau state.
The army chief said he was aware of the difficulties and challenges confronted by the troops, as they legitimately carry out their duties, particularly, some of the weighty allegations being touted against them.
He urged the troops to remain disciplined, dutiful, responsive, and responsible, adding, however, that the full weight of the law would be brought down on any personnel found compromising.
Lagbaja also paid a courtesy call to the Plateau State Governor Caleb Mutfwang where thanked the government and people of Plateau State for their effort in ensuring peace reigns in the state.
He told the governor that a marching order had been handed down to troops to enforce law and order sternly and to be decisive in tackling the security situation on the Plateau.
Responding, Governor, Mutfwang, disclosed that he had never doubted the capability of the Nigerian Army and other security agencies in delivering on their constitutional mandate.
