By Deborah Nnamdi
Troops of the Nigerian Army under Operation Enduring Peace have begun a comprehensive stop-and-search operation across the Jos metropolis in Plateau State following a recent attack in Jos North that left over 28 people dead and more than 50 others injured.
The exercise, which commenced on Friday, is part of intensified efforts to restore normalcy and safeguard lives and property in the state, according to a statement issued by the Media Information Officer of the Joint Task Force, Captain Chinonso Oteh.
The military said the heightened security measures have already recorded early successes, with troops intercepting and arresting two suspects and recovering a fabricated AK-47 rifle, four rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition, and a pump-action gun.
The arrests and recoveries were made during targeted operations across key flashpoints and transit routes, including Jos North and Jos South, as well as Dadinkowa, Old Airport Junction, Tudun Wada, and the state’s low-cost housing estate.
In a related development, troops responded to a distress call over sporadic gunfire in the Yelwa Cattle Market area of Shendam, where suspected gunmen retreated into nearby bushes after encountering superior firepower.
Meanwhile, the Defence Headquarters confirmed that the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, has approved the deployment of 850 additional troops to Plateau State to contain the worsening security situation.
The move follows concerns raised by Plateau State Governor, Caleb Mutfwang, who said both residents and security operatives were caught off guard by the attack, describing it as unexpected after months of relative peace.
Speaking on a television programme on Friday, the governor noted that the community had enjoyed about 10 months to one year of calm before the incident, which he said made the assault particularly shocking.
Military authorities said the deployment of reinforcements would bolster ongoing operations aimed at de-escalating tensions and restoring law and order in affected areas.
Addressing troops at the headquarters of Operation Enduring Peace in Jos, the Chief of Army Staff urged personnel to remain professional, disciplined, and resolute in tackling criminal elements, assuring them of adequate logistical and operational support for the mission.
