Experts faults 3 div over press release

Security experts and public affairs analysts have faulted the “over zealousness” and “unnecessary indulgence” of the authorities of the 3rd Armoured Division over its advertised claims of “arrests” and recovery of “ammunitions” from suspected perpetrators of attacks in parts of Bassa Local Government Area of Plateau State.

Condemning the release titled “Troops arrest 7 suspects, recover weapons in clash at Miango Community”, the vice President of Equinox Alert, a security training and services outfit, Jos, queried the motive and professional credibility of the Press release.

According to the press statement issued by the 3rd Garrison Division, “troops of 3 Division Jos Plateau State arrested 7 suspects and recovered weapons in the clash between Miango Community and herdsmen at Rafiki Village on Wednesday 14th March, 2018”.

The release also stated that the feat was as a result of response to distress calls by the locals.

“As troops moved into settle the dispute, the herdsmen opened fire on troop convoy. 2 soldiers paid the supreme price. 7 suspects were arrested in connection with the clashes”, the statement said.

Stating that the number of dead people discovered during the search was 23, and that weapons seized included one AK47, and 36 rounds of 7.62mm special rifle and a locally, made single barrel loaded with 15 rounds, the statement also hinted that troops have intensified patrol.

However, at the headquarters of the Operation Safe Haven (OPSH), the items seen on ground to have been seized during the operation did not agree with what was quoted in the release of the 3 Garrison Division, implying the release by the 3 Division to have actually over reported the spoils of the operation.

According to the vice President of the security outfit, Brain Amabe, the release appears to be ill-motivated and pre-emptive.

Similarly, a public affairs analyst, who agreed with Amabe that managing security information is delicate, said the Special Task Force STF code name Operation Safe Haven (OPSH), has been able to restore considerate calm in the affected areas in the last two days, also disagreed with 3 Div on the release, saying “it was overzealousness and sheer usurpation of functions”.

The public affairs analyst, Mr. Ogene Irabor, warned that at times like this the challenge of information management is critical and public institution such as 3Div have to be more circumspect no matter how benevolent the development appears to be, advising every other security agencies within the areas of operations of OPSH to always synergies with the taskforce before making releases, as the security within the areas of coverage of the OPSH falls under its mandate.

He commended the STF and its men for working round the clock to restore peace in the last two days, and urged all security agencies to be collaborative and co-operative especially in sharing intelligence so as to bring the unfortunate development to an enduring end.