By Sumaila Ogbaje

The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Waidi Shaibu, on Thursday led heads of security agencies to Plateau for on an on-the-spot assessment of security situation in the state.

The Acting Director, Army Public Relations, Col. Appolonia Anele, made this known in a statement made available to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) Abuja on Thursday.

Anele said that the visit was part of renewed efforts to restore calm, strengthen operational coordination and entrench lasting peace in communities affected by recent security challenges across the state.

She said the COAS was on arrival, received by Gov. Caleb Muftwang, in a development that underscored strong civil-military relations and a shared commitment to addressing emerging threats in Plateau.

According to her, Shaibu later received a comprehensive operational briefing from the General Officer Commanding 3 Division, Maj.-Gen. Folusho Oyinlola, on ongoing operations under the Joint Task Force Operation ENDURING PEACE in the state.

”The briefing highlighted proactive measures, joint operations and intelligence-driven strategies being implemented by the military and other security agencies to contain threats, protect lives and stabilise affected communities,” she said.

In his remarks, the COAS commended troops and other security personnel for their resilience, professionalism and sacrifices in ensuring the safety of residents, urging them to sustain the momentum in ongoing operations.

He emphasised the need for enhanced synergy among security agencies, noting that coordinated efforts remained critical to tackling the complex security challenges confronting parts of Plateau and neighbouring areas.

Shaibu also engaged community leaders and residents, reassuring them of the Nigerian Army’s commitment to safeguarding all law-abiding residents and restoring normalcy in areas affected by recent disturbances.

He urged residents to remain calm, vigilant and law-abiding, while calling for continued cooperation with security agencies through credible information sharing to support ongoing operations and investigations.

The COAS further appealed to residents to comply with the curfew imposed in affected areas, stressing that the measure was necessary to restore order and guarantee public safety.

He reaffirmed the army’s commitment to working closely with sister security agencies, the Plateau Government and other stakeholders to address security challenges and ensure sustainable peace in the state.

”The ongoing operations reflected a broader strategy to strengthen community resilience, enhance intelligence gathering and create a secure environment for socio-economic activities to thrive,” he stressed.

Similarly, the Chairman of Jos North Local Government Area, Mr Dachung Bagos, commended the COAS for the timely visit and proactive engagement with stakeholders in the state.

Bagos noted that the presence of the nation’s top military leadership would boost public confidence, strengthen trust and reassure residents of the government’s determination to address the security situation decisively.

In the same vein, the Councillor representing Naraguta ‘B’ Ward, Mr Ladi Dangyok, appreciated the swift intervention by security agencies, describing it as a strong reassurance to affected communities.

He said the visit would further encourage residents to cooperate with security agencies and support ongoing efforts aimed at restoring peace and stability across the troubled areas.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Deborah Coker