The Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, has approved the immediate deployment of the Chief of Army Staff Intervention Battalion of special forces to Plateau State to tackle the recent surge in terrorist attacks.

A press release from the Media Information Officer of the Joint Task Force Operation Enduring Peace, Captain Chinonso Oteh, shared on the Nigerian Army’s X handle on Tuesday, described the deployment as a potential game-changer in addressing insecurity in the region.

The troops were received at Headquarters 3 Division by the General Officer Commanding 3 Division and Commander of Joint Task Force Operation Enduring Peace, Major General Folusho Oyinlola, who was represented by the Chief of Staff, Operation Enduring Peace, Brigadier General Senlong Sule. Oyinlola urged the troops to be decisive and ruthless in offensive operations against terrorists.

The deployment comes amid renewed violence in Plateau State and the wider north-central region. On February 7, four people, including a woman, were reportedly killed by suspected Fulani militia in Ding’ak village, Mushere district of Bokkos Local Government Area, following rumours of impending attacks.

Major General Oyinlola also appealed to residents not to panic at the sight of large troop movements and heavy military equipment. He expressed gratitude for the public’s continued support and urged citizens to provide timely and actionable intelligence on the whereabouts of criminal elements to aid operations and restore peace in the state.