COAS Lagbaja charged troops in Mangu to go hard on terrorist

• Police arrest notorious gang leader responsible for killing Nabeeha

The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja, has ordered troops of the 3 Division Nigerian Army and the Joint Task Force Operation Safe Haven to be more aggressive in dealing with terrorists causing mayhem in Plateau States. 

He made this known yesterday while addressing troops during an operational tour to Plateau State following the recent attack in the Mangu Local Government Area of the state. 

According to the Army Chief, “Go hard on those disturbing the peace of the Plateau and neutralise any terrorist annihilating people and burning or destroying property and other economic valuables.”

The COAS acknowledged that the security dynamics on the Plateau are complex due to its political background, interwoven with cultural and economic sentiments. These, he added, account for the prolonged duration of the conflicts and the escalation in their lethality.

He inspected the arms and ammunition recovered by the troops and commended them for not allowing the crisis to escalate to other parts of the state. He said he was confident that the soldiers would be more resilient and leave no stone unturned to restore peace on the Plateau and other troubled parts of the country. 

He charged the troops to exercise their duties without sentiments. “Our operations and activities must comply with the rules of engagement and devoid of sentiments,” he said.

Gen Lagbaja also made a courtesy call to the Plateau State Governor Barr Caleb Mutfwang and expressed appreciation to the government and good people of the state for their effort in ensuring peace reigns on the Plateau. He intimated that a marching order had been handed down to troops to enforce law and order in the state.

On his part, Mutfwang said he had always believed in the capability of the Nigerian Army and other security agencies to deliver on their constitutional mandate. “As a government, we know we are responsible for motivating them. The recent breach was avoidable, and people must work harmoniously to regain peace and harmony,” the governor said.

Meanwhile, the Nigerian Police have announced the arrest of a deadly gang member responsible for the kidnap and murder of Nabeeha, one of the abducted sisters in Bwari, Abuja. The statement made by the Force Public Relations Officer, Force Headquarters, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, said Bello Mohammed, a 28-year-old man from Zamfara, was arrested in Kaduna after receiving an intelligence report. 

“The suspect, during interrogation, confessed to being part of the gang that kidnapped the family members of one Barrister Ariyo in Bwari, FCT, on 2nd January 2024, and killed some kidnapped victims, including Nabeeha, F, daughter of the legal practitioner, on 13th, January 2024, in a kidnappers camp, in Kaduna State,” the statement said. 

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