Nigeria’s Defence Headquarters has confirmed that the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, has approved the deployment of 850 additional troops to Plateau State in response to the worsening security situation.
The move comes in the wake of a deadly attack in Jos on Sunday night, March 29, where gunmen opened fire at a crowded junction, killing at least 28 people, including students and staff of the University of Jos.
The decision also followed concerns raised by Plateau State Governor, Caleb Mutfwang, who said both residents and security operatives were taken by surprise during the нападение.
Speaking on Friday’s edition of Channels Television’s Politics Today,
the governor described the assault as unexpected, noting that the state had enjoyed relative peace for nearly a year.
“As a matter of fact, the community was blindsided. The security personnel were also caught off guard because of the relative peace we have enjoyed, particularly in the last 10 months to one year.
”So nobody envisaged this kind of thing, and people came out in their numbers as they usually do to relax on a Sunday evening,” he said.
In a statement issued by Captain Chinonso Polycarpoteh, Media Information Officer of the Joint Task Force, Operation ENDURING PEACE, the military said the reinforcement would bolster ongoing operations across affected areas.
“The reinforcement is aimed at supporting troops already on ground in de-escalating tensions and restoring law and order across affected areas of the state,” the statement read in part.
Addressing troops at the headquarters of Operation ENDURING PEACE in Jos, the Army Chief urged personnel to remain disciplined, professional, and resolute in tackling criminal elements threatening public safety.
He assured them that sufficient logistics and combat support had been put in place to ensure the success of their mission.
“The newly deployed troops, numbering over 850, were drawn from formations in Abuja and Kaduna.
”The troops have been tasked with the protection of lives and property, as well as ensuring the safety and security of residents across the state,” the statement added.
Governor Mutfwang further revealed that the attackers appeared to have carefully studied the habits of residents before launching the assault.
“Obviously, the attackers had studied the psychology of the people, who are used to seeing operatives of the NDLEA who come to raid neighbouring communities in search of drug addicts and what have you.
”So they came in that manner, hooded, and were shooting in the same way NDLEA officers operate.
“People initially assumed it was an NDLEA operation and did not resist, but when they realised what was happening, a lot of damage had already been done. By the time they began to respond, the attackers had already escaped,” he added.
Following the attack, sporadic violence was reported in parts of Jos, particularly around the university community, leading to further casualties and heightened tension.
Although security presence has since been reinforced, concerns persist over the fragile situation, with residents calling for sustained intervention to prevent further escalation.
The police appealed for calm as efforts continue to restore order and stabilise the state.
Meanwhile, students of the University of Jos have been evacuated after the institution was shut down due to rising insecurity in the state capital.
President Bola Tinubu visited Jos on Thursday to commiserate with victims of the violence.
He was received by Governor Caleb Mutfwang and other top security officials.
During the visit, the President met with bereaved families near the airport, offering condolences and personally consoling a grieving mother seen in a widely circulated video holding her deceased son.
Tinubu pledged to end the recurring violence, assuring residents that such incidents would not be allowed to happen again.
He also announced plans to strengthen security through the deployment of 5,000 AI-powered surveillance cameras across Jos to enhance intelligence gathering and response.
