Chief of Amy Staff, Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja, has ordered troops to adopt a more aggressive posture and stamp out terrorists wreaking havoc in Plateau State and other states.
Gen Lagbaja stated this during an operational tour to Plateau, following a fresh wave of violence in the Mangu Local Government Area of Plateau State that left over 30 persons killed.
“Go hard on those disturbing the peace of the Plateau and neutralize any terrorist annihilating people and burning or destroying property and other economic valuables,” the COAS was quoted in a statement by the army spokesman, Onyema Nwachukwu.
There have been recurring attacks in Mangu LGA of the state, leading to loss of lives and property.
The army chief said Plateau’s security dynamics are complex due to its political background as well as cultural and economic sentiments.
Gen Lagbaja 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 assured that he is confident that the troops will be more resilient and leave no stone unturned in ensuring that peace and tranquility is restored on the Plateau and other troubled parts of the country.
Gen Lagbaja therefore, charged the troops to live up to the expectations of all peace loving and law abiding residents of the Plateau, harping that trust is earned and the troops must do all within their means to maintain the trust of the people they are tasked to protect. “Our Operations and activities must be in compliance with the rules of engagement and devoid of sentiments”, he emphasized.
Gen Lagbaja noted, that he is aware of the difficulty and challenges confronted by the troops, as they legitimately carry out their duties, particularly, some of the weighty allegations being touted against them.
He clarified that though one cannot completely rule out the possibility of one or two cases of misconduct during operations, he guaranteed that the Nigerian Army and indeed the Armed Forces of Nigeria have an internal regulatory mechanism that does not permit considerations for ethnic and religious affiliations when deploying troops.
He urged the troops to remain disciplined, dutiful, responsive and responsible, adding however, that the full weight of the law will be brought down on any personnel found compromising.
Gen Lagbaja also paid a courtesy call on the Plateau State Governor Barr Caleb Mutfwang, where he expressed appreciation to the Government and good people of Plateau State for their effort in ensuring that peace reigns on the Plateau.
He intimated that a marching order has been handed down to troops to sternly enforce law and order and to be decisive in tackling the security situation on the Plateau. He concluded that peace must reign on the Plateau and other troubled parts of the country.
Responding, the Plateau State Governor, Barrister Caleb Mutfwang disclosed that he had never doubted the capability of the Nigerian Army and other security agencies in delivering on their constitutional mandate.
He clarified that the civil populace has a role to play in enhancing security on the Plateau. “As a government, we know that we have a responsibility to motivate them.The recent breach was totally avoidable and people must work harmoniously to regain peace and harmony,” Governor Mutfwang asserted.