A joint security operation led by the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has successfully repelled repeated bandit attacks on Nteng village in Deomak District, Qua’ran-Pan Local Government Area of Plateau State.
According to a statement issued on Friday by Corps spokesman Afolabi Babawale, the joint operation with the Nigerian Army and the Nigeria Police has helped restore peace in the region.
The involvement was in direct response to an order from its Commandant General, Professor Ahmed Audi, who directed the rapid deployment of a Special Intelligence Squad to confront the region’s deteriorating security situation.
“In response to the marching order of the Commandant General, Prof. Ahmed Audi, we set up an intelligence-driven operational mechanism to forestall the incessant attacks against the Nteng village,” the statement quoted Commandant Apollos Dandaura, head of the Special Intelligence Squad, as saying.
Communities in Qua’ran-Pan have been repeatedly attacked by alleged bandits, who have targeted local farmers and destroyed public infrastructure.
The assailants apparently took advantage of the area’s challenging terrain—described as mountainous, wet, and swampy—and a lack of accessible highways, which slowed security reaction.
“Notably, the communities have been bedeviled by suspected bandits disrupting the peace and stability, fostering attacks against farmers.
“It is also lamentable that these attacks have led to loss of lives and malicious destruction of farm crops. The Primary Health Care Hospital, buildings, and property were destroyed, leading to the displacement of over 4,000 farmers, some of whom are currently at the refugee camp in a primary school inside Qua’ran-Pan,” Dandaura added, as quoted in the statement.
The NSCDC attributes the operation’s success to strong collaboration among all relevant authorities. A combined guard station has been erected in Nteng village to ensure order and security.
“Let me reiterate that the synergy amongst the security agencies who worked relentlessly to safeguard the situation in Nteng village is highly commendable.
“On behalf of the NSCDC Commandant General, the people are assured of safety—most especially communities like Doop, Keolakan, Jepmorop, and Gorom—whose valuables were maliciously damaged and others carted away,” Dandaura added.
As part of its continuous security measures, the NSCDC performed an on-the-ground assessment in preparation for the deployment of its Agro Rangers squad.
The team is responsible for safeguarding farmers, avoiding further attacks, and encouraging peaceful coexistence between farmers and herders.
“We have conducted an on-the-spot assessment of the location to facilitate the deployment of the NSCDC Agro Rangers Squad, whose purview lies in the provision of security for farmers, enhancing unity between herders and farmers, and guarding against the destruction of farm crops and killing of cattle, while preventing further attacks or counterattacks on innocent citizens,” Dandaura concluded.
