By Nkechi Eze
The Headquarters Joint Task Force, Operation ENDURING PEACE, has explained the circumstances surrounding a viral video showing an encounter between troops and personnel of the Nigeria Police Force in Bassa Local Government Area of Plateau State, saying the soldiers were responding to a distress call over sporadic gunfire and the reported killing of a resident.
The task force said the incident occurred on October 20, 2026, when troops of Sector 3 were deployed to Mai Farin Moto, Maraban Dere and adjoining communities following reports of gunfire and the killing of a local resident, identified as Mr Adamu Suleiman.
According to an official statement signed by Captain Chinonso Polycarp Oteh, Media Information Officer, Joint Task Force, Operation ENDURING PEACE, the troops were deployed to assess the security situation, establish the circumstances surrounding the incident, prevent further escalation and protect lives and property.
The statement explained that upon arriving in the affected communities, the troops sought to engage police personnel operating in the area to clarify the situation and facilitate a coordinated security response.
However, the task force regretted that the interaction was characterised by a lack of cooperation from some police personnel, despite efforts by the troops to de-escalate tensions and maintain operational discipline.
It maintained that the military intervention was prompted by an operational distress call and carried out in the interest of public safety, urging the public to consider the circumstances that necessitated the deployment when assessing accounts of the encounter.
Operation ENDURING PEACE reaffirmed its commitment to impartiality, professionalism and the protection of lives and property, stressing that effective security operations require cooperation among the various agencies involved in maintaining law and order.
The task force noted that inter-agency coordination, mutual respect, adherence to established procedures and unity of effort remained essential to the success of joint security operations.
It added that issues arising from the encounter were being addressed through appropriate command and inter-agency channels to establish the facts, sustain operational cohesion and prevent a recurrence.
The statement also urged media practitioners and members of the public to verify information before publication and refrain from circulating unsubstantiated accounts capable of undermining public confidence or disrupting relations among security agencies.
The task force assured residents of Plateau State of its continued resolve to maintain law and order, protect innocent citizens and consolidate peace and security across its joint operations area.
