Reported by: Oahimire Omone Precious | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
Gunmen who carried out a deadly attack in Jos, Plateau State earlier this week disguised themselves as operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency to gain access to a crowded community before unleashing violence, the governor of the state has confirmed. The assault has deepened concerns about security in Nigeria’s central region and triggered heightened military and political responses amid mounting public alarm.
Governor Caleb Mutfwang said the assailants, who struck the Angwan Rukuba area of Jos North, used a familiar pattern of security operations to deceive residents and security forces. Speaking on national television, he explained that the attackers had studied how anti‑drug agents conduct raids in nearby communities and mimicked their approach, attire and tactics. Residents initially mistook the incursion for a lawful enforcement action, but the gunmen swiftly opened fire, catching both civilians and security personnel off guard. This ploy allowed them to inflict significant casualties and withdraw before an effective response could be mounted. Authorities describe the attack as calculated and professionally executed, highlighting the advanced handling of weapons and coordinated nature of the assault. At least 28 people were killed and many more were wounded, though some hospital and community figures suggest the toll could be higher. The victims included students, workers and ordinary residents caught in the shooting that erupted around early evening on Sunday, March 29. The state government imposed a 48‑hour curfew across parts of Jos to prevent further violence and give security forces space to stabilise the area following the massacre. Hundreds of families were plunged into mourning as communities grappled with the scale of the loss and the shock of such a brazen attack. Residents described scenes of chaos and grief as neighbours searched for loved ones amid the aftermath.
Despite pledges from the governor and federal officials, no suspects have been publicly identified or arrested in connection with the massacre. Mutfwang said security agencies are working with “actionable intelligence” and hope to apprehend those responsible, but declined to provide further details while investigations continue. He also warned against reprisals and urged citizens to remain calm and law‑abiding to prevent further escalation of tensions.
Reacting to the killings, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu travelled to Plateau State days after the attack to meet bereaved families, traditional leaders, and government officials. During the visit, the president expressed sympathy and directed security agencies to intensify efforts to bring the perpetrators to justice, assuring residents that “this experience will not repeat itself.” Federal authorities defended the logistics of the engagement with victims, explaining that the meeting was held at the Yakubu Gowon Airport in Jos due to flight and operational constraints, and that the choice of venue did not diminish the president’s concern.
The attack in Jos has not been an isolated incident. Just 24 hours after the presidential visit, armed men reportedly ambushed a group of youths in the Nyamgo Gyel area of Jos South Local Government Area, killing at least three people who were returning from a mining site. Eyewitnesses said the assailants opened fire suddenly, causing survivors to flee for safety. Local youth leaders decried the recurring violence and urged authorities to take urgent action to protect communities, particularly in rural areas.
In response to the broader security crisis, the Nigerian Army under Operation Enduring Peace has launched intensified operations across Jos and adjoining areas, conducting extensive stop‑and‑search exercises aimed at preventing further attacks. These efforts have resulted in the arrest of two suspects and the recovery of a fabricated assault rifle, ammunition and other weapons. The Joint Task Force said the heightened security presence is part of a broader mandate to restore normalcy and safeguard lives and property, as the government deploys additional troops to address the escalating situation.
Police in Plateau State also reported the arrest of a suspected fake soldier and other individuals in connection with unrest, including a person found with a counterfeit military identity card. Authorities said some individuals exploited the tense atmosphere post‑attack to engage in criminal activities such as theft, underscoring the complex security challenges confronting the region. Security forces have been reinforced around strategic locations, including the vicinity of the University of Jos and major transit routes, to deter opportunistic violence and reassure the public.
Plateau State, part of Nigeria’s Middle Belt, has long struggled with recurrent cycles of violence driven by a mix of land disputes, communal tensions and criminal insurgency. While there had been a period of relative calm in the past year, the magnitude and brazenness of the recent Jos assault highlight persistent vulnerabilities and evolving tactics by armed groups. Local leaders and civil society organisations are calling for enhanced intelligence sharing and stronger community‑security cooperation to address the roots of insecurity and prevent future tragedies.
The use of impersonation by attackers has raised serious questions about security protocols and the protection of civilians. By exploiting trust in official law enforcement, the assailants demonstrated how deception can be weaponised with devastating effect, undermining confidence in public safety and complicating efforts by authorities to respond effectively. As families continue to mourn and communities seek greater protection, the pressure on security agencies to provide answers and tangible progress in the investigation intensifies.
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