The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) Thursday said military personnel deployed to Mangu local government area of Plateau state were professional and not biased in their operation.
The position followed a video clip that has gone viral, and said to have been authored by the Chairman Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) Mangu Chapter, Reverend Timothy Daluk.
Mangu local government has come under serious attacks from some criminal elements, leading to about 55 deaths and destruction of houses and others.
In the video, the clergy alleged the military was biased in its handling of the security challenges bedevilling the state.
…It’s malicious – DHQ
Debunking the claim in statement issued in Abuja, the Acting Director Defence Information, Brigadier-General Tukur Gusau , said the “accusations hold no truth, are malicious and lack any reasonable foundation. “
According to him, the troops deployed to the area had carried out their duties professionally and in accordance with the rules of engagement.
Gusau called on members of the public to support the ongoing military operations aimed at decimating non-state actors responsible for killings in the state.
“It is important to recall that on 23 January 2024, there was a breach of security in the Mangu municipal area, resulting in the Government of Plateau state declaring a 24-hour curfew. Troops of Operation SAFE HAVEN were reinforced in Mangu to enforce the curfew and bring the situation under control, thereby preventing its spread to other areas. The troops have carried out their duties professionally and in accordance with the rules of engagement. They have successfully arrested criminals involved in looting and burning of properties, as well as recovered weapons.
“It is deeply disturbing that a religious leader, who is expected to demonstrate high levels of moral judgement and truthfulness, has resorted to spreading falsehoods about the military and its personnel. We want to reiterate that the military remains neutral, focused, professional and committed to its constitutional role of protecting the lives and property of law-abiding citizens. We will deal with anybody found disobeying the law, without bias or prejudice.
“We therefore call upon the public to support the ongoing military operations aimed at decimating non-state actors operating in these troubled areas of the State. We will not be distracted by baseless accusations and remain steadfast in our commitment to restoring peace and security. We strongly caution individuals involved in making malicious comments against the military to cease from such acts. Henceforth, any person found spreading falsehoods will face constitutional redress, regardless of their status in society,” the statement said.
…Deploys Special Forces in Abuja, Plateau
On the hotspots generating current concerns among Nigerians, the spokesman said the military and other security agencies have continued with offensive operations in some suburbs of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and Plateau state.
The suburbs, according to him, are Cashew Forest, Kwaku, Gwombe, Gadoro and Tukuba all in Kuje Area Council.
Other areas covered are Kawu, Igu, Tokulo, Gaba, Zuma 1 and Zuma 2, Shere, Mpape, Jikoko, Berger Quarry, and Nukuchi Villages all in Bwari Area Council of FCT.
He said troops are also conducting operations in some villages in neighboring states to the FCT. Such villages, according to the defence spokesperson, are Gauraka, Apo Forest, Gyedna/Sabon Wusa, and Garam in the Tafa local government area of Niger state, and Numan and Basa in Akwanga and Nasarawa local government areas of Nasarawa state.
Buba said: “The military is conscious of the fact that the ongoing insurgency has contributed to making life worse for many citizens in several geo-political zones across the country such as the North East, North West, North Central and South East.
“We also recognise the apprehension occasioned by kidnappings, particularly with recent events recorded in the FCT and other areas.
… Death toll rises
Meanwhile, fighting continued in the state as the death toll rose to 55, with 120 persons injured, while 250 houses and places of worship were destroyed.
A credible source disclosed this to one of Blueprint correspondents in Jos, the state capital.
“I can authoritatively confirm to you that 55 deaths were so far recorded, this including 30 deaths at Kwashalalak village. 120 persons were also injured, while 250 houses were destroyed,” an official of an aid group on the field has confirmed.
The source further said “the situation is now a little bit calm, the burning has been halted, and it is hoped that things will normalise to allow them take the next step at providing humanitarian support that is direly needed.”
Blueprint had reported the chairman of Mwaghavul Development Association as saying people at Kwashalalak village were attacked, “…leaving over 30 people dead, houses completely razed and properties including food items destroyed with fire.”
Also, the deputy chief imam of Mangu Juma’a mosque, Adamu Abdussalami, was quoted Wednesday as saying, “We have recovered thirteen dead bodies, we are yet to bury them, because the situation is still tensed, the attacks have continue, burning of houses and mosques have continued.”
…Police parade suspects
And in a related development, the Police have arrested 17 suspected perpetrators of the Christmas eve attacks in Bokkos, Barikin Ladi and Mangu local government areas of the state.
Many people were killed in those attacks.
Parading the suspects at the headquarters of the state command, Assistant Inspector General of Police Zone 4, Ebony Eyibio, represented by the spokesperson of the command, DSP Alabo Alfred, stated that nine of the suspects were arrested in connection with the Mangu violence, while eight were arrested in connection to the Bokkos and Barikin Ladi attacks.
The police did not however, disclose the identity of the suspects.
He said: “On 24/01/24 at about 2200hrs, we received intelligence concerning an attack which was targeted on the Ntam community and the ASTC Company, both of Mangu LGA. Our team of agile Police officers from the IGP Special Intervention Squad stationed at the ASTC in conjunction with the Area Commander Pankshin and the DPO swung into action and thwarted the attempted attack.
“In a separate incident, an attempt by some criminal arsonists in Panyam District to set fire on some worship centers was prevented by swift intervention from the police and with help from some elders of the community.”
