The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, has approved the deployment of 850 additional troops to Plateau State to address the worsening security situation following recent attacks in Jos.
The move, according to military authorities, is aimed at strengthening ongoing operations and restoring calm in affected communities across the state.
In a statement issued by the Media Information Officer of the Joint Task Force, Operation ENDURING PEACE, Captain Chinonso Polycarp Oteh, the reinforcement is expected to support troops already on ground in de-escalating tensions and restoring law and order.
The statement noted that the newly deployed troops were drawn from formations in Abuja and Kaduna, with a clear mandate to protect lives and property as well as ensure the safety of residents.
While addressing the troops at the Headquarters of the Joint Task Force in Jos, the COAS urged them to remain professional, disciplined, and firm in dealing with criminal elements threatening public safety.
He assured the personnel that adequate logistics and combat support have been put in place to enable them carry out their mission effectively.
The development follows a recent attack in Jos, where gunmen opened fire at a busy junction, killing several people, including students and staff of the University of Jos.
In the aftermath of the incident, tensions escalated in parts of the city, with reports of sporadic violence in surrounding areas.
Governor of Plateau State, Barr. Caleb Mutfwang, described the attack as unexpected, noting that both residents and security personnel were caught off guard after a prolonged period of relative peace.
According to the governor, the attackers appeared to have studied the behaviour of residents before launching the assault, disguising their operation in a manner that initially misled the public.
Authorities have since increased security presence across affected areas, while urging residents to remain calm and cooperate with security agencies.
The military expressed confidence that the additional deployment will significantly improve ongoing efforts to restore peace and stability in Plateau State.
