Communities in Wase Local Government Area of Plateau State are breathing a sigh of relief as over 300 Nigerian Army troops arrived to combat rising cases of banditry, kidnapping, and cattle rustling.
The troops, part of Operation Enduring Peace, were warmly welcomed by traditional rulers, women, students, and community members in Bashar Chiefdom, Wase Local Government Area.
The deployment is coming barely 24 hours after armed gunmen stormed the Dogon Ruwa community in Bashar District, Wase Local Government Area of Plateau State, on Sunday evening, killing one resident and abducting an Imam, Abdulrashidi Baduku, along with six other individuals.
The victims were reportedly ambushed while processing charcoal for commercial purposes on the outskirts of the community.
Confirming the deployment of the troops, spokesman for the Military Taskforce, Capt Chinonso Oteh, said, “The Chief of Army Staff has approved the immediate deployment of the Chief of Army Staff Intervention Battalion of special forces to Plateau State.
“This deployment will be a game changer in addressing the threat of insecurity.”
The statement said Maj Gen Folusho Oyinlola, General Officer Commanding 3 Division and Commander Joint Task Force Operation Enduring Peace, urged the troops to be “decisive and ruthless” in carrying out operations against bandits.
“The citizens of the state should not panic on sighting a large number of troop movements and other heavy military equipment. We appreciate their continuous support and call for more support in providing actionable and timely intelligence on criminal elements’ whereabouts,” the statement added
Meanwhile, the troops, under Operation Enduring Peace, were led by the Sector 2 Commander, Col Olugbenga Osuntuyi, and were welcomed by traditional rulers, women, students, youth groups and other community members with folk music and placards.
At a brief ceremony to welcome the troops, a community leader in Wase and the Magayakin Bashar, Alh Abubakar Yusuf, described the deployment as a long-awaited intervention and a memorable day for the community.
“We know your work and the effort the colonel has been making in this area. He has been requesting additional personnel for a long time, and this is the right time that the Chief of Army Staff has sent you directly to work with him so that peace can return to our domain,” he said.
The traditional ruler thanked the Chief of Army Staff and the General Officer Commanding overseeing Plateau, Bauchi, Nasarawa and neighbouring states, assuring the troops of full community cooperation.
“Any criminal you come across, deal with him decisively. We are not biased. We are not supporting criminals here. Even as recently as yesterday, our people were kidnapped, and one person was killed. We are very happy today because we have witnessed your arrival,” he added.
The Madakin of Bashar and Acting Rekna, Alhaji Ali Nuhu, urged residents to cooperate fully with the military, warning against sabotage or collaboration with criminals.
“Since yesterday, we have been expecting you. Seeing you today, we know that khaki is not leather. We will cooperate and support you for the sake of our land. If anyone is not sincere and is brought for questioning, we don’t know what discussion they will face,” he said.
Speaking on behalf of the Member representing Wase Federal Constituency, Ahmed Idris, his senior aide, Abubakar Badu, said the deployment was a direct result of a motion of urgent public importance raised at the House of Representatives over insecurity in Bashar Chiefdom.