The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has said that the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, has approved the deployment of 850 additional troops to crisis-ridden Plateau State, to contain the escalating security situation.
The development was after Governor of Plateau State, Caleb Mutfwang, had said both residents and security personnel were caught unawares during the recent deadly attack in Jos, describing the incident as unexpected following a prolonged period of relative peace.
The governor made the remarks on Friday’s edition of Channels Television’s Politics Today, where he highlighted the circumstances surrounding the assault.
“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.
However, a statement by Captain Media Information Officer Joint Task Force, Operation ENDURING PEACE, Chinonso Polycarpoteh, noted that the immediate deployment of additional troops will 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 COAS charged them to remain professional, disciplined, and firm in dealing with criminal elements threatening the peace and security of law-abiding citizens.
He assured the personnel that adequate logistics and combat enablers have been provided to ensure the effective execution of their mission.
“The newly deployed troops, numbering over 850, were drawn from formations in Abuja and Kaduna. The troops have been tasked with the protection of lives and property, as well as ensuring the safety and security of residents across the state”, the statement added.
Governor Mutfwang had explained that the attackers appeared to have carefully studied the behavioural patterns of residents before launching the assault.
“Obviously, the attackers had studied the psychology of the people, who are used to seeing operatives of the NDLEA who come to raid neighbouring communities in search of drug addicts and what have you. So they came in that manner, hooded, and were shooting in the same way NDLEA officers operate.
“People initially assumed it was an NDLEA operation and did not resist, but when they realised what was happening, a lot of damage had already been done. By the time they began to respond, the attackers had already escaped,” he added.
The development followed an attack on Sunday night, March 29, when gunmen opened fire at a busy junction in Jos, killing at least 28 people, including students and staff of the University of Jos.
In the aftermath of the incident, sporadic violence was reported in parts of the city, particularly in areas surrounding the university, with additional casualties further heightening tensions.
Although security presence has since been reinforced across affected locations, concerns remain over the fragile situation, as residents continue to call for sustained intervention to prevent further escalation.
Authorities have urged calm while efforts are ongoing to restore order and stabilise the state.
Meanwhile, students of the University of Jos have been evacuated following the closure of the institution amid rising security concerns in the state capital.
Tinubu’s Visit
President Bola Tinubu visited Jos on Thursday to commiserate with victims of a deadly attack.
He was received on arrival by Plateau State Governor Caleb Mutfwang and top security officials.
During the visit, Tinubu met with families of the victims in a hall near the airport, where he offered condolences, including personally consoling a grieving mother seen in a viral video holding her deceased son.
In his remarks, Tinubu vowed to end the cycle of violence, assuring residents that such an incident would not happen again.
He also announced plans for immediate security improvements, including the installation of 5,000 AI-enabled surveillance cameras across Jos to strengthen intelligence gathering.