The General Officer Commanding (GOC) 3 Division, Nigerian Army, Major General Maxwell Dangana, has relocated his tactical office to Mangu Local Government Area of Plateau State for two weeks as the military launches “Operation Hard Nut” to flush out terrorists and restore normalcy following a deadly attack on the Bi Mper community.
Gatekeepers News reports that Dangana announced the move while addressing troops at the Mangu Local Government Council headquarters during a show of force conducted shortly after Tuesday’s attack, which claimed the lives of 25 people.
The GOC charged the troops to remain professional and neutral in the discharge of their duties, while assuring residents that the military would intensify efforts to secure communities in Mangu and other parts of the state.
He said the operation would focus on clearing terrorists and other criminal elements from the area while restoring the confidence of residents who have been affected by repeated attacks.
Dangana also disclosed that the Chief of Army Staff had approved the deployment of additional troops and equipment to support the operation.
He said the reinforcement would strengthen the Army’s capacity to confront the attackers and secure vulnerable communities.
The GOC assured residents that the Army would work relentlessly to make Mangu safe, adding that his decision to relocate his tactical office to the area was intended to provide direct supervision of the operation.
Dangana also urged residents to support security agencies by providing credible information that could assist troops in identifying and neutralising terrorists and other criminal elements operating in the area.
Police arrest key suspect
Meanwhile, the Plateau State Police Command has arrested a key suspect allegedly linked to the deadly attack.
According to the command, 25 people were killed while four others sustained injuries during the early-morning attack on Kombun District.
The Police Public Relations Officer, SP Alfred Alabo, confirmed the arrest to Channels Television, saying the suspect in custody was believed to be the mastermind of the attack.
He added that investigations were ongoing and that security operatives had launched a manhunt for other suspects who fled the scene.
The attack occurred in the early hours of Tuesday and was reportedly the third attack recorded in Mangu within a week. Local sources said one person was shot during the previous incident.
The latest attack has heightened concerns among residents, who have called on the government to strengthen security and take further measures to protect communities from renewed attacks.
