STF: Partnering for sustainable peace on the Plateau

The Special Task Force, Operation Save Haven in Plateau state  is working with various stakeholders to ensure sustainable and security within its area of responsibility. MUHAMMAD  TANKO SHITTU writes on the positive impact of the efforts 

 

In line with its policy on civil-military relations and the need to find lasting solution to perennial crisis on the  plateau, the Special Task Force (STF)  under the  leadership  Major General  David D. Enetie  has continued to deploy  various strategies that would engender community involvement in the peace-building process; ensuring sustainable peace and security and getting buy-in by all critical stakeholders in the peace process .
This current effort  which  is aimed at consolidating on the gains of community engagements such as  provision of some basic necessities of life through renovation of boreholes, provision of medical supports, sporting activities;  engagement of  some selected youths leaders who are already  vigilantes in their respective communities.
Having recognized that security is every body’s business, and  in furtherance of their  zeal and commitment of   communities in Jos North to ensure the security of their lives and property, vigilante and neighborhood watch, have been proactive in their communities.
This effort yielded result during the last Ramadan Tafsir   aimed at having a secured crime and insurgency free conduct of Ramadan Tafsir as well as the festive period of the Eid-il-Fitir celebration.
And in pursuant of their aim of keeping peace the Special Task Force (STF), tagged: “Operation Safe Heaven,”  has in collaboration with the Islamic Uniform first aid groups, and the vigilante group, had put up a very good security strategy which has greatly brought to bear what a lot of People described as best thing for the “security of the People.”
Jos the Plateau State capital, has witnessed massive involvement of able adult youths and by extension even the elderly ones into the vigilante/ neighbourhood watch, since the ugly happenings of the 20th May, 2014 and the subsequent bomb blasts that had rocked the city.
However, the security agencies in the state has not blind folded their eyes from the watch of  the unprofessional volunteers to carry out the all important role of securing the Peoples’ lives and property. Most particularly the STF, whose commander Major-General David D. Enetie, has deemed it necessary to fit into the activities of the volunteers, by making sure that they do not only do the right thing, but that they do it with the full backing of the STF, this he does by training some of them, equipping them with the necessary skills.
General Enetie felts that no stone will be left un-turn in the quest for a secured environments, thus making him explored every available opportunity geared towards achieving same.
Days before the Fasting time of the Ramadan, the leadership of the Islamic Aid groups under the aid group of Jama’atu Nasril Islam (JNI), had organized series of training and sensitization to its members and others including the vigilantes who were trained  by security and bomb expert on how to go about the activities, during and even after Tafsir. Tafasir, were successfully conducted hitch free  till the Eid day which marked the end of the Ramadan.
In addition, several security measures were put in place by the STF, which  guided all the various stakeholders towards  achieving the success in  controlling crowd during Tafsir at various locations, and  Eid Fitr.
A much more collaboration of the STF, and its supporters in the task of security watch, was witnessed few days to the Eid day, where a combined team of the STF, men and the vigilantes, have gone round the city of Jos, and show cased a kind of readiness of embarking on the task of safety and security.

Some of the measures taken included none parking of vehicular at the Eid prayer grounds days prior to the Eid day, proper security watch of movement in and outside prayer grounds and then restriction of tricycles / motor cycles movement for about three days of the festive period.
Not only that there was restrictions of mobility, but all recreation centers as well as zoo have been closed for activities.
Though,  the city of Jos was full to capacity, with both adults and children going about visitation of relatives, friends and well wishers, while STF and its collaborators in the security affairs were busy discharging their duties.
Similar thing was put in place at other sectors under the STF command, at Bukuru, Barkin Ladi and others.
Many resident of Plateau state commended the  collaboration between STF and other stakeholders and called for sustenance of the effort.
The President of the Jasawa Community Development Association, Alhaji  Shehu Masalla,  told Blueprint that the STF, has done well by seeing the importance of the vigilantes, and “even collaborating with them to the success of having a secured times, it is hoped that the collaboration will continue.”

Similarly the Jos North local Government Area acting  Commander of the vigilantes/ neighbourhood watch Alhaji Ahmad Muhammad, expressed optimism in their collaboration with the STF, whom he said has given them all support.
“As vigilantes we are working hand in hand with  STF, who has given 100% support, they have shown to so many security techniques as professionals. We decided to take so many actions in order to avert bombardment by the insurgents and other criminals.”
“As volunteers the government and the security as gents should give us more support in the areas of training, logistics and possible, provide job opportunity to the University graduates among us,” Muhammad urged.
It was observed that the collaboration has not only succeeded in putting a halt at bombardment and other  crimes, but had also put a halt to the form of rascality usually exhibited by some youths during festive periods.