The Chief of Army Staff, Taoreed Lagbaja, a Major General on Saturday launched Operation Hakorin Damisa aimed at putting an end to the killings and security challenges in Plateau State.
During his visit to Mangu, Lagbaja emphasized the Nigerian Army’s unwavering commitment to combating criminals who have been terrorizing communities in the Mangu Local Government Area and other regions of the state.
Operation Hakorin Damisa IV is a part of the emergency response conducted by the Joint Security Task Force, Operation Safe Haven, targeting security challenges in the affected areas of Mangu, Riyom, and Barkin-Ladi local government areas.
While launching the activities of the troops under the special operation, the Army chief urged them to adhere strictly to the rules of engagement in the discharge of their duties.
Additionally, he called on the citizens residing in the affected regions to cooperate with the troops and provide essential information to aid their efforts.
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The special operation squad consists of 300 troops equipped with seven Mines Resistance Armoured Personnel Vehicles, Motorcycles, Buffaloes Patrol Vehicles, and Armoured Personnel Vehicles.
Plateau State has witnessed numerous killings in recent times, with most of the attacks being perpetrated by gunmen in the Mangu area.
In response to the escalating violence, President Bola Tinubu issued a directive on July 11, 2023, instructing security agencies to apprehend the culprits behind the killings and unrest in Plateau.
The President strongly condemned the recent internecine killings in Mangu and expressed his concern about the cycle of violence that must be broken.
Notably, an innocent eight-month-old baby lost her life in Farin Lamba community of Vwang District, Jos South Local Government, during one of the violent conflicts, highlighting the tragic consequences of such perennial conflicts.
President Tinubu stressed the importance of tolerance and forgiveness as essential elements for building strong, peaceful, and prosperous communities, aiming to bring an end to the senseless violence plaguing the region.
(omayowa@globalfinancialdigest.com; Newsroom: +234 8033 964 138)
