Military Denies Obstructing Police, Stresses Inter-Agency Collaboration in Plateau

The Military Joint Task Force, Operation ENDURING PEACE (JTF-OPEP), has denied allegations of obstructing police personnel in Bassa Local Government Area of Plateau State, insisting that its troops responded to a distress call amid reports of gunfire and the killing of a local resident.

In a statement issued on Sunday, October 25, 2026, the Media Information Officer of JTF-OPEP, Captain Chinonso Polycarp Oteh, explained that troops of Sector 3 were deployed on October 20 following reports of sporadic gunfire in Mai Farin Moto, Maraban Dere and adjoining communities.

According to the statement, the troops responded to assess the security situation, establish the circumstances surrounding the incident, prevent further escalation and protect lives and property.

The task force said its personnel sought to engage police officers operating in the area to clarify the situation and facilitate a coordinated security response.

However, it regretted that the interaction was characterised by a lack of cooperation from some personnel, despite efforts by the troops to de-escalate tensions and maintain operational discipline.

JTF-OPEP maintained that the deployment was prompted by an operational distress call and undertaken in the interest of public safety, urging the public to consider the circumstances surrounding the incident before drawing conclusions.

Reaffirming its commitment to peace and security in Plateau State, the task force emphasised that effective security operations depend on strong inter-agency collaboration, mutual respect, adherence to established procedures and a unified approach to addressing security challenges.

It added that issues arising from the incident were being addressed through appropriate command and inter-agency channels to establish the facts, sustain operational cohesion and prevent a recurrence.

The task force also urged members of the public and media practitioners to verify information before publication and avoid spreading unsubstantiated accounts capable of undermining public confidence or straining relations among security agencies.

JTF-OPEP assured residents of Plateau State of its continued commitment to maintaining law and order, protecting innocent citizens and consolidating peace and security across its joint operations area.

The task force stressed that cooperation and coordination among security agencies remain essential to ensuring public safety and sustaining lasting peace in the state.

Recall that a leaked video circulated on social media released by an anonymous eyewitness, showed personnel of the Nigeria Police Force confronting soldiers at an area suspected to be a hideout for armed militia members and other criminal elements.

According reports, the soldiers were allegedly led by a man identified as Major Chukwu, whose surname remains unknown, who claimed to be the Sector 3 Commander of the Special Task Force, Operation Enduring Peace.

The report further stated that the incident, which reportedly became tense, began when police personnel stormed the area and spotted militia members in possession of military-grade weapons. The source further alleged that Major Chukwu was seen in the company of armed militia members and the Chairman of Miyetti Allah in Bassa LGA, identified as Ya’u Idris, also known as Chachaba.