By Nkechi Eze
The Nigerian Army has intensified its response to rising security threats in Plateau State as the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, approved the immediate deployment of the Chief of Army Staff Intervention Battalion of Special Forces to the state.
The deployment is aimed at aggressively and decisively confronting the recent resurgence of terrorist activities and restoring peace and stability across affected communities in Plateau State.
This was disclosed in an official statement signed by the Media Information Officer, Joint Task Force Operation ENDURING PEACE, Captain Chinonso Oteh, who said the elite Special Forces troops have already arrived in the state. He described their presence as a “game changer” in the ongoing operations to neutralise terrorist elements and dismantle their networks.
According to the statement, the deployment reflects the Nigerian Army’s determination to dominate the operational environment and deny terrorists the freedom to operate. “The troops are in the state to aggressively and decisively deal with the renewed terrorist threats, and their deployment will significantly enhance the effectiveness of ongoing operations,” Captain Oteh said.
The troops were received at the Headquarters of 3 Division, Nigerian Army, by the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 3 Division and Commander, Joint Task Force Operation ENDURING PEACE, Major General Folusho Oyinlola. He was represented at the reception by the Chief of Staff, Operation ENDURING PEACE, Brigadier General Senlong Sule.
Welcoming the Special Forces, Major General Oyinlola urged them to be resolute, decisive and uncompromising in the conduct of offensive operations against terrorist elements. He charged the troops to bring their specialised skills and combat experience to bear in dismantling terror cells and restoring confidence among the populace.
He commended the proactive leadership of the Chief of Army Staff for approving the deployment and for providing the necessary combat enablers and logistics support required for the effective execution of the mission. According to him, the timely provision of manpower, equipment and operational resources underscores the Army leadership’s resolve to confront terrorism head-on.
Major General Oyinlola also appealed to residents of Plateau State not to panic over the movement of large numbers of troops and heavy military equipment, assuring them that the deployment is strictly to enhance their safety and security. “The presence of these troops is for the protection of law-abiding citizens and the restoration of enduring peace in the state,” he said.
While appreciating the continued support of the people for military operations, the GOC called for sustained cooperation from communities, particularly in the area of intelligence sharing. He urged citizens to provide timely and actionable information on the whereabouts and activities of terrorist elements, noting that such cooperation remains critical to the success of the operation.
