PLATEAU KILLINGS: ARMY CONDUCTS STOP-AND-SEARCH IN JOS, ARRESTS 2 SUSPECTS, RECOVERS ARMS

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By ‘Sefiu Ajape

Troops of the Nigerian Army, under Operation Enduring Peace, have launched a comprehensive stop-and-search operation across the Jos metropolis in Plateau State, following a recent attack in Jos North that left over 28 people dead and more than 50 others injured.

In a statement signed by the Media Information Officer of the Joint Task Force, Operation Enduring Peace, Captain Chinonso Oteh, the exercise, which commenced on Friday, is part of efforts to restore normalcy and safeguard lives and property in the state.

The statement noted that the intensified security operation has already recorded success, with troops intercepting and arresting two suspects, as well as recovering one fabricated AK-47 rifle, four rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition, and one pump-action gun.

It added that the arrests and recoveries were made during targeted operations across key flashpoints and transit routes, including Jos North and Jos South, as well as Dadinkowa, Old Airport Junction, Tudun Wada, and the state low-cost housing estate.

The statement further disclosed that troops responded swiftly to a distress call over sporadic shooting in the Yelwa Cattle Market area of Shendam, where unidentified gunmen were forced to retreat into nearby bushes under superior tactical pressure.

Meanwhile, the Defence Headquarters said the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, has approved the deployment of 850 additional troops to Plateau State to address the worsening security situation.

The development follows comments by Plateau State Governor, Caleb Mutfwang, who said both residents and security personnel were taken by surprise during the recent attack in Jos, describing it as unexpected after a prolonged period of relative peace.

Speaking on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Friday, the governor explained the circumstances surrounding the incident.

“As a matter of fact, the community was blindsided. The security personnel were also caught off guard because of the relative peace we have enjoyed, particularly in the last 10 months to one year. So nobody envisaged this kind of thing, and people came out in their numbers as they usually do to relax on a Sunday evening,” he said.

In a related statement, Captain Chinonso Polycarp Oteh said the deployment of additional troops would strengthen ongoing operations.

“The reinforcement is aimed at supporting troops already on ground in de-escalating tensions and restoring law and order across affected areas of the state”, the statement read in part.

While addressing troops at the Headquarters Joint Task Force Operation Enduring Peace in Jos, the Chief of Army Staff urged them to remain professional, disciplined, and resolute in dealing with criminal elements threatening public safety.

He assured the troops that adequate logistics and combat support have been provided to ensure the effective execution of their mission.