Plateau: JTF-OPEP Says Troops’ Encounter With Police Was Misconstrued as Clash

The Special Task Force Operation Enduring Peace (JTF-OPEP) has dismissed reports portraying a recent encounter between soldiers and police officers in Bassa Local Government Area of Plateau State as a clash between the two security agencies.

Capt. Polycarp Oteh, the operation’s Media Officer, addressed the incident in a statement released on Monday in Jos, explaining that the troops had been deployed in response to a security alert.

According to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), videos and photographs allegedly showing a confrontation between military and police personnel went viral on social media days before the clarification.

The reports claimed that soldiers had stopped police officers from pursuing suspected criminals in the area.

Oteh, however, said the troops were responding to reports of sporadic gunfire in Mai Farin Moto, Maraban Dere and surrounding communities, alongside information about the suspected killing of a resident identified as Mr Adamu Suleiman.

He said the incident took place on October 20, when troops attached to Sector 3 received a distress call and moved to assess the situation.

“On Oct. 20, troops of our Sector 3 responded to a distress call reporting sporadic gunfire in Mai Farin Moto, Maraban Dere and adjoining communities. This is alongside reports of the suspected killing of a resident, Mr Adamu Suleiman.

“The troops were deployed to the affected area to assess the security situation, establish the circumstances of the incident, prevent escalation and protect lives and property.

“On arrival, the troops sought to engage the police personnel operating in the area to clarify the situation and facilitate a coordinated security response.

“Regrettably, the interaction was characterised by a lack of cooperation from some personnel in spite of efforts to de-escalate tensions and maintain operational discipline,” Oteh said.

He stressed that the deployment was based on an operational distress call and was intended to protect the public rather than interfere with lawful security operations.

The JTF-OPEP spokesperson reaffirmed the task force’s commitment to professionalism, impartiality and safeguarding lives and property.

“JTF-OPEP remains committed to impartiality, professionalism and the protection of lives and property.

“As a joint security arrangement, our operational effectiveness depends on inter-agency coordination, mutual respect, adherence to established procedures and unity of effort.

“Issues arising from the incident are being addressed through appropriate command and inter-agency channels to establish the facts, sustain operational cohesion and prevent recurrence,” he said.

Oteh further called on journalists and members of the public to verify information before publishing or sharing reports, noting that responsible reporting was essential to maintaining credibility and professionalism.

He assured residents that the task force would continue working to enforce law and order, protect innocent people and strengthen peace and security throughout its joint operations area in Plateau State.

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