The Special Task Force Operation Enduring Peace (JTF-OPEP) has cleared the air on the recent encounter between its troops and personnel of the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) in Bassa Local Government Area (LGA) of Plateau State.
The media officer of the operation, Capt. Polycarp Oteh, in a statement on Monday in Jos, said that the encounter between the two security agencies was misconstrued to be a clash.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that videos and photographs of an alleged clash between the military and police personnel went viral on social media a few days ago.
It was alleged that troops had prevented the police personnel from going after some criminals in the area.
But Oteh said that troops only responded to a distress call, following a sporadic shooting at Mai Farin Moto, Maraban Dere and adjoining communities of the area.
“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,” he said.
Oteh emphasised that troops’ intervention was prompted by an operational distress call, adding that it was undertaken in the interest of public safety.
“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 explained.
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The media officer advised members of the public and reporters to verify information before going to the press, adding that such move would ensure credibility and professionalism.
He assured residents of Plateau of its resolve to maintain law and order, protect innocent residents and consolidate peace and security across its joint operations area. (NAN)
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