New STF boss to end insurgence, says troops will return to barracks

The Special Task Force (STF) is committed to consolidating on the mandate of the task-force, aimed at ending insurgency and returning troops to the barracks, says the new STF Commander in Plateau state, Major General Anthony Atolagbe.

Speaking to newsmen at the weekend in Jos during a hand over ceremony to usher in his command, the new army boss said the success of his predecessor, Major General Rogers Ibe Nicholas, will be built upon to end the reoccurring crisis that has hitherto bedeviled the region.

“Our mandate is to ensure that normalcy returns to the region where people go about their businesses without fear of being molested and we shall achieve this by bringing all stakeholders on board that at the end, soldiers will return to the barracks because peace is achieved which will make way for the civil authorities like the Police to take over security,” he said.

Gen. Atolagbe said he is coming from the background of some level of experience on the field, haven been to several peace mission, adding that he will conveniently key into the mandate already provided, even as the STF area of operation now extends to Southern Kaduna.

However, the outgoing Commander, Maj-Gen Rogers Nicholas, said he has achieved the mandate given to him because he is leaving Plateau better than he met it.

He explained that when he came to Plateau, the situation was horrible, but he remained resolute which can be attest to that peace has now returned to the State.

“Commercial activities have been taking place, clash between farmers and herdsmen has reduced drastically and no issue of cattle rustling for the past seven months, with that I am leaving Plateau better than i met it,” he said.

Consequently, the newly Army boss pledged to ensure that troops on the field adhere to the rules of engagement with high degree of professionalism.

Daily Times reports that General Atolagbe was transferred from the Defence Headquarters as Director, Peace Keeping/Operations before taking over from Major General, Rogers Ibe Nicholas, who was transferred to the Army Headquarters Abuja, as Chief of Logistics.