In a bid to bring an end to the incessant killing and insecurity in Mangu Local Government Area of Plateau State, the Nigerian Army has flagged off a new Operation called Hakorin Damisa IV (Leopard’s teeth) in Mangu.
Major General Taoreed Lagbaja, the Chief of Army Staff, who was in Mangu on Saturday to inaugurate the new operation, said the goal was to tackle and end the reoccurring killings in the area, and he directed the new operation’s officers to deal forcefully with troublemakers.
Speaking to the officers dedicated to the operation, the COAS said, “I am here to thank you for what you have been doing to bring peace and stability to Mangu and Plateau State. As your Chief of Army Staff, I have encapsulated my command philosophy, which is to have a Nigerian Army that is well-trained, equipped, and highly motivated towards achieving our constitutional responsibility in a joint environment.
“That means you must work with other services; you must work with local communities. You are the people’s army; when they send a distress call, you must respond as quickly as possible, and when you do that, you give them feedback on what you have done. That is the way you build confidence and trust. As your COAS, my philosophy will be driven by leadership, operational effectiveness, and sound administration.
“You are not deployed here to play but to conduct an operation, and you must do that and be guided by the rules of engagement. Whoever is carrying a military-grade weapon or any other weapon, you must recover those weapons from them. You must not take sides. The GOC has briefed me about the challenges faced in the field and the need for more combat enablers.
“What we have brought here is the tip of the iceberg; we will give you the best to work with; we will take care of the communication, the motorcycles, and all your administrative issues, but please note that you must work effectively; we must see the results. This violence must be stamped out completely. I wish you the best”.
The Chief of Army Staff, who later moved to a Pilot Primary school in the Bungha community, where thousands of IDPs are taking refuge, held a meeting with the stakeholders at the camp.
They include the Mishkaham Mwaghavul, Da John Hirse, the National President Mwaghavul Development Association, MDA, Sir Joseph Gwankat, the MACBAN Chairman of Mangu, Bello Shanono, the CAN Chairman of Mangu, Rev. Timothy Daluk, as well as the representative of the JNI in Mangu, Alh. Judy Ibrahim, who all made their points and called for peace.
The COAS encouraged them to exercise restraint in their actions in the interest of peace, noting that issues such as underage cattle herding, night grazing, cattle rustling, crop destruction, and access to illicit arms and small weapons have been identified as contributing factors to the problems and that all stakeholders must work together to achieve peace.
He further asked all those bearing arms to surrender them, stating that anyone caught would be made to face the wrath of the law.
He urged them to work with the security agents to see the people return to their homes as soon as possible.
