by Christiana Gokyo, Jos

The Nigerian Army troops have been cautioned to show professionalism in their engagements in the operation in Mangu Local Government Area if Plateau State to bring to an end the needless killings in the areas and ensure that anyone carrying a military-grade weapon is arrested and the weapon recovered.

The Chief of Army Staff, Major-General Taoreed Abiodun Lagbaja, disclosed this over the weekend during the flag-off ceremony of Special Military ‘Operation Hakorin Damisa IV’ in Mangu Local Government Area of the state.

He urged the troops to eliminate any form of security threat in the locality and the borders within the state, adding, “That is the importance of a swift and timely response to distress calls and urged the troops to maintain open communication with the affected communities,” saying, “This will instill confidence in the ongoing operations,” and reassured the troops that his leadership philosophy prioritizes sound administration and the welfare of personnel.

After the flagging-off, Major-General Lagbaja held a town hall meeting with critical stakeholders in Mangu, saying that, there is the need for collective responsibility of all stakeholders in achieving the “Mangu Peace Project.” 

Accordingly, he said, “Peace and security can only be guaranteed when the people, government and security agencies work harmoniously and cooperatively,” and also charged the stakeholders to take control of their children and wards who engage in acts of violence and possess of illegal firearms, warning them that the troops are authorized to neutralize anyone bearing such weapons.

The ‘Step-Up’ Headquarters of the Special Taskforce Operation Safe Haven, as well as a special military operation code named ‘Operation Hakorin Damisa IV’ in Mangu LGA of the State was launched.

Major-General Lagbaja was in company of the General Officer Commanding 3 Division and Commander Operation Safe Haven, Major-General A.E. Abdulsalam and other senior military officers from the Army High Command, who launched the operation and the ‘Step-Up’ Headquarters of Operation Safe Haven. 

According to him, the additional troops brought from the Headquarters, Nigerian Army, are part of reinforcement efforts of the Army, in order to contain the deteriorating security situation in Mangu Local Government Area and other parts of the State. 

He also unveiled additional combat enablers brought in for the operation; these include Carmel Mrap QJC 88 Military Personnel Carrier, Special Amored Personnel Carrier Trucks, Normal Personnel Carrier Trucks and 20 Special Forces Motor Bikes, assuring that more will come in, in the course of the operation. 

The Chief of Army Staff had earlier condoled with the Mishkahgam Mwaghavul, His Royal Highness Da John Putmang Hirse, and the people of Mangu Local Government Area of the State over the unfortunate security situation, which resulted in the killing of hundreds of people and thousands of displaced persons.