Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
Jos, Plateau State — Troops of the Nigerian Army operating under Operation Enduring Peace have launched an intensified security operation across the Jos metropolis, including a coordinated stop‑and‑search exercise, following a string of deadly attacks that have unsettled communities across the state. The military action forms part of a broader response to recent violence that left scores dead and prompted emergency measures by both state and federal authorities.
The operation was initiated by troops on Friday after a violent attack in the Angwan Rukuba area of Jos North Local Government Area on March 29, when gunmen on motorcycles opened fire indiscriminately on residents. Local authorities reported multiple fatalities, with estimates indicating at least 20–30 people killed in the incident, and many others wounded. The attack, which occurred on Palm Sunday, sparked widespread fear across the central Nigerian state, prompting a 48‑hour curfew imposed by the state government.
In response, the Army deployed troops under Operation Enduring Peace to conduct what commanders described as a comprehensive stop‑and‑search exercise throughout Jos North and Jos South. The operation targeted known flashpoints and transit routes, including major locations such as Dadinkowa, Old Airport Junction, Tudun Wada, and the State Low‑Cost Housing Estate. Security officials said the heightened presence is intended to reassure residents, deter further violence, and intercept criminal elements before they can exploit the unrest.
Military spokesmen announced that the increased searches have already yielded results. Troops arrested two suspects during the patrols and recovered a locally fabricated AK‑47 rifle, four rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition, a pump‑action gun, and a cutlass. Officials described the seizures as efforts to disarm criminal networks and stem the supply of weapons that fuel ongoing insecurity across Plateau State.
In a separate development, troops responded to reports of sporadic gunfire near Yelwa Cattle Market in Shendam Local Government Area. Military personnel arrived swiftly on the scene, and the suspected armed assailants fled. During subsequent searches, two residents who sustained gunshot wounds were found and evacuated to a medical facility for urgent treatment. Authorities said the rapid response prevented the situation from escalating further.
Security forces emphasised that the stop‑and‑search operations are part of a sustained push to restore order, with reinforcements approved by the Defence Headquarters. The Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, authorised the deployment of additional troops to the crisis‑affected state to reinforce existing units engaged in stabilisation efforts. Troop deployments draw on formations from Abuja and neighboring Kaduna State, underscoring the priority attached by federal security leadership to tackling violence in Plateau.
The broader security situation in Plateau remains precarious. In addition to the Jos North attack, separate incidents of violence have been reported across the state, including clashes in rural communities where bandits, insurgent groups, and armed gangs operate. Official military updates also indicate that troops under Operation Enduring Peace have recently neutralised three suspected terrorists in Wase Local Government Area and prevented an attack on civilians in Shendam, highlighting the multifaceted nature of threats confronting the region.
Government responses to the crisis have extended to the highest levels of political leadership. President Bola Tinubu visited Jos and held engagements with grieving families and community leaders, announcing measures to improve security infrastructure, including the deployment of mass surveillance systems aimed at helping law enforcement track perpetrators in real time. The presidency described the visit as strategic, while acknowledging logistical constraints that prevented deeper travel into affected communities during the trip.
Local law enforcement has also stepped up its operations. The Plateau State Police Command reported that officers foiled an attempt to incite fresh unrest in the Zololo area of Jos shortly after Friday prayers and detained 12 individuals allegedly attempting to provoke disturbances. Authorities attributed the arrests to proactive policing and increased vigilance following the violent incidents.
Community leaders and residents have had varied reactions to the intensified military presence. Some have welcomed the troops’ efforts to secure key parts of the metropolis and restore a sense of normal life in affected neighbourhoods. Others have expressed concerns about ongoing insecurity and have called for comprehensive strategies that include community engagement, improved intelligence sharing, and long‑term socioeconomic interventions aimed at addressing the root causes of violence.
Security analysts say that while military operations are necessary in the short term to deter violence and protect civilians, durable peace in Plateau will depend on sustained cooperation between security forces, political authorities, and local communities. They stress the importance of addressing underlying grievances, enhancing trust in institutions, and expanding intelligence capabilities to prevent future attacks.
As troops continue stop‑and‑search operations across the Jos metropolis and surrounding areas, authorities have urged residents to remain calm, comply with security directives, and support ongoing efforts by providing credible information that could assist in investigations and ongoing operations. The situation remains fluid, with further updates expected as military and police continue to pursue perpetrators and attempt to restore lasting peace and security in Plateau State.
📩 Stone Reporters News | 🌍 stonereportersnews.com
✉️ info@stonereportersnews.com | 📘 Facebook: Stone Reporters News | 🐦 X (Twitter): @StoneReportNew | 📸 Instagram: stonereportersnews
Add comment
Comments