The Defence Headquarters has confirmed that the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, has sanctioned the immediate deployment of 850 additional military personnel to Plateau State in response to the deteriorating security situation in the region.
The reinforcement follows the deadly attack that rocked Jos on Sunday, March 29, when heavily armed assailants opened fire at a crowded junction, leaving no fewer than 28 persons dead, among them students and staff members of the University of Jos.
According to a statement issued by Captain Chinonso Polycarpoteh, Media Information Officer of the Joint Task Force, Operation ENDURING PEACE, the newly deployed troops are expected to bolster existing security operations and help contain tensions across affected communities.
The statement noted that the additional forces were mobilised from military formations in Abuja and Kaduna, with a clear mandate to protect lives and property, restore public confidence, and reinforce law and order in troubled areas.
“The reinforcement is intended to support troops already deployed in de-escalating the crisis and restoring peace across the state,” the statement said.
While addressing the troops at the Headquarters of Joint Task Force Operation ENDURING PEACE in Jos, Lieutenant General Shaibu reportedly charged the personnel to carry out their duties with utmost professionalism, discipline, and firmness in confronting criminal elements undermining public safety.
He also assured them that sufficient logistics support and combat resources had been put in place to guarantee the successful execution of their assignment.
The latest deployment comes amid heightened concerns over the resurgence of violence in Plateau after a prolonged period of relative calm.
Governor Caleb Mutfwang, speaking on Channels Television’s Politics Today, said both residents and security agencies were taken by surprise by the attack, especially given the relative peace the state had enjoyed over the past several months.
According to the governor, the attackers appeared to have carefully studied the movement and response patterns of residents before striking.
He explained that many residents initially mistook the armed men for operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), whose routine raids in nearby communities had become familiar.
The governor said the assailants arrived hooded and operated in a manner similar to NDLEA personnel, causing residents to lower their guard until it became clear that it was a deadly assault.
By the time people realised the true nature of the attack and began to respond, the gunmen had already fled the scene after inflicting significant casualties.
Following the incident, isolated violence was also reported in parts of Jos, particularly around communities close to the University of Jos, further escalating tension in the city.
In response to the security threat, authorities have intensified patrols and reinforced troop presence across key flashpoints, while residents continue to call for sustained measures to prevent further violence.
Meanwhile, the University of Jos has suspended academic activities and evacuated students amid growing concerns over safety.
President Bola Tinubu visited Jos on Thursday to sympathise with victims and their families.
He was received by Governor Mutfwang and senior security officials before meeting with bereaved families at a facility near the airport.
During the visit, the President offered condolences and assured residents of the Federal Government’s commitment to ending the recurring violence in the state.
As part of immediate measures, Tinubu also announced plans to deploy 5,000 AI-powered surveillance cameras across Jos to enhance intelligence gathering and strengthen security monitoring.
Authorities have urged residents to remain calm as coordinated efforts continue to restore peace and stability across Plateau State.