Stop sponsoring crime, military task force warns

The Special Military Taskforce in Plateau state, codenamed ‘Operation Safe Haven’ has warned sponsors of criminal activities to stop their shady activities or relocate from the state.

The mandate of the military task force is to restore peace in Plateau state, some parts of Bauchi and Southern Kaduna.

The task force believes most of the crisis bedeviling the region are influenced by trouble merchants and has vowed to deal decisively with anyone caught in the act.

Speaking in a routine familiarisation visit to traditional rulers on Monday, the Taskforce Commander, Maj. Gen. Chukwuemeka Okonkwo, said to bring an end to the wanton killings often ignited by crisis, the monarchs must work in synergy with the military to fish out the saboteur amongst them.

Okonkwo added that his task force has also identified other troubled spots, saying that he is fashioning lasting strategies to improve security.

“Our operation would improve on the security situations across the joint operational areas through constant dialogues with relevant stakeholders, which forms part of the non-kinetic activities adopted by the operation to stem wanton killings in the state.

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“The task force would not be overwhelmed in its duty and remain professional and neutral in discharging its mandate. Anyone found sponsoring crimes to the detriment of the state will be dealt with,” Okonkwo said.

However, while making references to the recent face-off between the Fulani and Irigwe communities in the state, Okonkwo said both factions have pledged to embrace peace.

He revealed that for proactive steps to be taken in combating crime, timely and prompt information should be made available to the military task force.