Army Chief Launches New Operation To End Plateau Killings

The Chief of Army Staff, Major General Taoreed Lagbaja, on Saturday, launched Operation Hakorin Damisa to end the killings and security challenges in Plateau State.

The Army chief also reinstated the commitment of Nigerian Army in combating criminals that have been terrorising some communities in the Mangu Local Government Area and other areas in the state.

Major General Lagbaja was in Mangu to flag off activities of troops under Operation Hakorin Damisa IV as part of emergency response under the Joint Security Task Force, Operation Safe Haven to address the security challenges in the affected areas of Mangu, Riyom and Barkin-Ladi local government areas.

The Army boss warned troops to respect the rules of engagement in the course of executing their duties.

He also appealed to citizens in the affected areas to cooperate with the troops and provide necessary information.

The special operation squad comprises of 300 troops with seven Mines Resistance Armoured Personnel Vehicles, Motorcycles, Buffaloes Patrol Vehicles and Armoured Personnel Vehicles.

Scores of killings have been recorded in Plateau of late with most of the attacks by gunmen in the Mangu area of the state.

Presidential Order

On July 11, 2023, President Bola Tinubu directed security agencies to fish out the perpetrators of the killings and violence in Plateau.

The President strongly condemned the recent internecine killings in Mangu and said the country must break the cycle of violence.

“It is most unfortunate that in this orgy of violence, an innocent eight-month-old baby in Farin Lamba community of Vwang District, Jos South Local Government, died in a conflict she knew nothing about,” the President said, according to a statement by Alake on Tuesday.

“A major consequence of perennial conflict is always the tragic loss of innocent lives.

“To build virile, peaceful and prosperous communities demand tolerance and forgiveness for every perceived wrongdoing.”