The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Major-General Taoreed Lagbaja, has launched a Special Operation code-named ‘Operation Hakorin Damisa IV’ to tackle the killings and other criminal activities in Plateau State.
OsunDailyNG reports that more than 300 persons have been killed in Mangu Local Government Area and the neighboring communities in the last two months following a series of attacks by gunmen.
Speaking during the launch of the special operation on Saturday in Mangu, Lagbaja said the special operation was aimed at tackling the ongoing security challenges within Mangu and its environs.
He charged troops of the special force to respond to all distress calls and work with other security agencies to end all forms of insecurity in the area.
Lagbaja said: “Gentlemen, as your 23rd COAS, I address you today and charge all of you deployed for this special operation to end the conflicts in Mangu and its environs
“You must work with other security agencies and because you are a people’s army, you must respond to all distress calls.
“You must also give feedback to the people at all times in order to win the confidence of the public.”
Lagbaja, who promised to address challenges of troops in war fronts, said his leadership was determined to restore peace and security to all troubled areas in the country.
He also charged the troops to be professional and guided by the rules of engagement during the operation, stating that any soldier found wanting would not be spared.
He added: “You must be fair and just to all; you should be soldiers for all, always check the books and operate by the books.”
Lagbaja also called on residents of Mangu LGA to cooperate with the military and other security agencies by providing timely information for a prompt response.
The COAS was earlier briefed on the security situation in the area by the Commander of Operation Safe Haven and General Officer Commanding 3 Division, Nigeria Army, Major General Abdusalam Abubakar.
He also met with religious and community leaders, youth and women groups, and officials of the local authority in Mangu.
