Military taskforce embarks on show of force, assures residents’ safety

The multi task force in charge of security in Plateau, Bauchi and parts of southern Kaduna, Operation Safe Haven (OPSH), has assured Plateau State residents of their safely, following last weekend’s killing of over 100 people in parts of the state which has fueled widespread tension.

Speaking yesterday after the show of force exercise around Jos and Bukuru metropolis involving large number of personnel, the OPSH Public Relations Officer, Major Adam Umar, said the show of force has boosted the people’s confidence and enhanced their feeling of safety.

He advised the people to desist from peddling false rumours of further violent protests, saying that they have been reinforced in terms of material and personnel, assuring that they are capable of tackling any ugly situation that might arise.

“The exercise is a joint show of force by the Operation Safe Haven (OPSH) in conjunction with other security agencies and the essence is to display our strength and to boost public confidence and to assure them that they are safe. Concerning the rumour in town that there would be violent protest by the Muslim community should be treated as a rumour.

But anyone desirous of finding out the factuality should call the authorities to hear their side and understand the situation rather than joining in spreading the rumours as well. We have not heard that information, and besides we have enough security apparatus to tackle such situation should it occur.

“We recently received material and personnel support from the defence headquarters in Abuja. We received some special operation force unit, which has a broad and good training on security management and challenges, and we have already deployed them to the field.

In the same vein, the Nigerian Air force has deployed some helicopters to assist us in carrying out air surveillance.

It is also good to know that the Inspector General of Police has deployed special operation personnel to augment our forces and apparatus on ground. So with all these, I believe that the peace we desire and have enjoying will surely return to the state,” he said.

He said contrary to the notion that Plateau residents are apprehensive, the look in the people’s faces inspires confidence and shows that the people have reassurance of their safety, adding that during the show of force exercise, many people called him to express their joy and to let him know that their presence has actually calmed their tensed nerves.

According to him, the town is secured and the people are peacefully going about their businesses without fear of intimidation or any kind of fright.

Major Umar noted that they are not responsible for the declaration of curfew in some parts of the state, explaining that theirs is to enforce it, but that with the way things are going and the people’s cooperation, the curfew could be reviewed shortly.

He stressed that the task force will continue the show of force exercise as frequently as possible because whenever people see them it boost their confidence and give them the feeling of safety.