Military begin major offensive in Benue, Nassarawa, Plateau

    
The Defence Headquarters has announced the commencement of a major military offensive against armed bandits causing mayhem in the three North Central States of Benue, Nasarawa and Plateau.

The Director of Defence Information, Maj.-Chris Olukolade, said in an electronic mail on Monday the DHQ had deployed troops on Sunday for a major confrontation in the three states where several people have been killed and many communities destroyed in clashes between Fulani herdsmen and farmers.

Olukolade said that the Nigerian Air Force, the Nigerian Police and other security agencies have also been deployed to participate in the crucial operation designed to ensure restoration of peace in the area.

He said that the security agents had a mission to neutralize and take over all enclaves of criminal elements in the area.

He urged the people of the area to cooperate with the security forces by providing them with relevant information on the activities of such gangs in their localities.

“The Nigerian Army yesterday commenced a major operation to put an end to the activities of all armed men and criminal gangs who have been engaging in wanton killing and destruction of lives and property in 3 states of North Central part of Nigeria.

“Troops have already been deployed for a major offensive which is covering Benue, Nassarawa and Plateau States.

“ The Internal Security Operations is meant to capture and neutralize all the enclaves of criminal gangs.

“ The Nigerian Air Force, Police and other security agencies are also participating in the operation designed to restore peace in the affected states.

“Law abiding citizens are enjoined to cooperate by providing timely and useful information to facilitate the operation as it affects their localities.” The statement read.