MUTFWANG CHARGES ARMY TO SEE INSECURITY AS THREAT TO NATIONAL SOVEREIGNTY

Plateau State Governor Caleb Mutfwang has urged the Nigerian Armed Forces to approach the country’s security challenges as a direct threat to Nigeria’s sovereignty rather than treating them as routine peacekeeping operations.

The governor made the appeal on Thursday while receiving the outgoing General Officer Commanding (GOC) 3 Division, Nigerian Army, and Commander of Operation Safe Haven, Major General Folusho Oyinlola, alongside his successor, Major General Williams Dangana, at the Government House in Jos.

Mutfwang said the persistent violence in Plateau State and other parts of the country, particularly the North-East, North-West, and North-Central, demands a more decisive military strategy.

According to him, the current security situation poses an existential threat to Nigeria, as those responsible for the attacks are determined to undermine the country’s stability and sovereignty.

He stressed that viewing the military’s role solely as peacekeeping could weaken efforts to confront the nation’s security challenges effectively.

The governor commended Major General Oyinlola for his leadership during his 18-month tenure, noting that Plateau recorded significant security gains through both military operations and non-military initiatives despite ongoing challenges.

He added that the military’s efforts contributed to maintaining investor confidence and encouraging visitors to the state despite concerns over insecurity.

Mutfwang also assured the incoming GOC of his administration’s full cooperation and urged him to consolidate on the achievements of his predecessor while strengthening collaboration between the military and civilian authorities.

In his remarks, Major General Oyinlola revealed that security operations in Plateau State accounted for the overwhelming majority of his operational engagements during his tenure.

He disclosed that about 95 per cent of his 18 months in office was devoted to addressing security issues in Plateau, describing the assignment as particularly demanding.

The outgoing GOC expressed appreciation to the Plateau State Government for its continuous support, saying the cooperation was instrumental to the successes recorded by troops.

He also appealed to Governor Mutfwang and other stakeholders to extend the same level of support to his successor to sustain ongoing security efforts in the state.