RismadarVoice Reporters
October 26, 2026
The Joint Task Force, Operation Enduring Peace, has clarified the circumstances surrounding an encounter between military personnel and officers of the Nigeria Police Force in Bassa Local Government Area of Plateau State.
The clarification followed the circulation of a video on social media showing an apparent confrontation between soldiers and police officers during a security operation in the area.
In a statement issued by its Media Information Officer, Captain Chinonso Polycarp Oteh, the task force said the soldiers were responding to reports of gunfire and the killing of a resident when they encountered police personnel.
According to the statement, troops of Sector 3 received a distress call on October 20 concerning sporadic gunfire in Mai Farin Moto, Maraban Dere and neighbouring communities.
The report also included information about the alleged killing of a resident identified as Adamu Suleiman.
The task force explained that the troops were deployed to assess the security situation, establish the circumstances surrounding the reported violence and prevent further escalation.
It maintained that the operation was intended to protect lives and property in the affected communities.
Upon arriving at the location, the soldiers reportedly attempted to engage police officers operating in the area to clarify the situation and coordinate their security response.
However, the military alleged that some police personnel failed to cooperate despite efforts to reduce tensions and maintain operational discipline.
The task force rejected suggestions circulating online that its personnel had intervened for purposes unrelated to public safety.
It stressed that the deployment followed an operational distress call and should be understood within the circumstances that prompted the military response.
Operation Enduring Peace also disclosed that issues arising from the encounter were being addressed through established military command structures and inter-agency communication channels.
According to the statement, the process is intended to establish the facts, improve operational coordination and prevent similar incidents.
The task force reaffirmed its commitment to professionalism, impartiality and the protection of civilians across its operational area.
It emphasised that effective security operations required cooperation, mutual respect and adherence to established procedures among security agencies.
The military also appealed to residents and media organisations to verify information before circulating reports about security incidents.
It warned that unsubstantiated allegations could undermine public confidence and create unnecessary tensions between agencies responsible for maintaining peace.
Operation Enduring Peace assured Plateau residents that it would continue working to protect communities and strengthen security across the state.
The police account of the encounter was not included in the military’s statement, leaving aspects of the incident subject to further clarification.
