By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini
The Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, has ordered the immediate deployment of a special forces battalion to Plateau State. This follows a recent surge in deadly bandit attacks across the region.
The elite unit, known as the Chief of Army Staff Intervention Battalion, has already arrived. Military commanders say their mission is to “aggressively and decisively” end the violence and will be a “game changer” in restoring security.
At a reception at the Headquarters of 3 Division in Jos, the troops were briefed by the theatre command. Major General Folusho Oyinlola, the General Officer Commanding, urged the soldiers to be “decisive and ruthless” in their offensive operations against the bandits. He was represented by Brigadier General Senlong Sule.
Oyinlola praised the Army Chief’s “proactive leadership” in providing the necessary weapons and logistics for the mission.
He also appealed to residents not to be alarmed by the sudden increase in troop movements and heavy military equipment. The General further called on the public to support the operation by providing timely and actionable intelligence on the whereabouts of criminal elements, to ensure lasting peace in the state.
