Nigerian Army deploys 850 more troops to Plateau amid rising violence

Cityscope, Crime Diary

ABUJA, NIGERIA, 2 April 2026 (NPA) — Nigeria’s Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, has ordered the deployment of additional troops to Plateau State to stem escalating killings and terrorist attacks in the North Central region.

According to a statement by Captain Chinonso Polycarp Oteh, Media Information Officer for Joint Task Force Operation Enduring Peace, the reinforcement is a swift and decisive move to restore law and order in affected areas.

Addressing troops at the Headquarters of Operation Enduring Peace in Jos, Lt. Gen. Shaibu urged personnel to remain professional, disciplined, and firm in confronting criminal elements. He assured them that adequate logistics and combat enablers have been provided to ensure the effective execution of their mission.

The newly deployed contingent, numbering over 850 soldiers, was drawn from formations in Abuja and Kaduna. Their mandate includes protecting lives and property, de-escalating tensions, and ensuring the safety of residents across Plateau State.

The Nigerian Army emphasised that the deployment underscores its commitment to safeguarding citizens and stabilising communities under siege by violent groups.