Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt. Gen Waidi Shaibu, has directed personnel of 3 Division Nigerian Army and Operation ENDURING PEACE (OPEP) to maintain sustained pressure on criminal groups and support initiatives aimed at deepening peace, security and stability in Plateau and neighbouring areas.
This was contained in a statement made available to newsmen in Abuja by the Spokesperson of the Nigerian Army, Col. Appolonia Anele.
According to the statement, the COAS gave the directive on Monday while speaking during his operational visit to the headquarters of 3 Division which provided an opportunity for him to review the security environment, ongoing operations and measures adopted to safeguard vulnerable communities and consolidate progress made through the peace process.
In line with the Nigerian Army’s drive to modernize its capabilities and improve responses to evolving threats, the COAS inspected the ongoing construction of the Nigerian Army Remotely Piloted Aircraft System (RPAS) Control Station.
According to it, “upon completion and activation, the facility is expected to improve the Army’s Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) capacity, enhance real-time awareness of the operational environment and provide commanders with timely intelligence for sound decision-making”.
During the engagement, the General Officer Commanding 3 Division and Commander OPEP, Major General Maxwell Dangana, briefed the COAS on developments within the Division’s Area of Responsibility and outlined current operations, security arrangements and consultations with key stakeholders designed to prevent violence, protect residents and promote sustainable peace.
The statement stated that the COAS praised the troops for their courage, professionalism and commitment to duty in securing the area and urged them to remain alert, disciplined and prepared for operations, while strengthening cooperation with other security agencies, traditional authorities, community leaders and other partners involved in the peace process.
The Army Chief emphasised that military action must work alongside dialogue, reconciliation and other peace-building measures to prevent criminal actors from reversing the gains recorded so far.
It added that he consequently instructed the troops to respond firmly to threats while upholding professional standards and respecting the rights of law-abiding citizens, reassuring the troops that the Nigerian Army would continue to provide the support necessary for them to fulfil their constitutional duties.
It added that the COAS also reiterated the Army’s determination to protect lives and property and help create an environment in which communities can live together peacefully and pursue their lawful livelihoods without fear.
The COAS urged residents to continue providing troops and other security agencies with prompt and reliable information, noting that enduring peace on the Plateau depends on the shared responsibility of security agencies, government institutions, traditional authorities, community leaders and citizens.