Muhammed Abubakar, Reporting
THE Nigerian Army has deployed an additional 300 special forces to combat the rising incidents of banditry and kidnapping in Plateau State, with particular focus on the Bashar Chiefdom in Wase Local Government Area.
The deployment followed a motion of urgent public importance raised on the floor of the House of Representatives by Rt Hon. Ahmed Idris Wase, former Deputy Speaker of the 9th National Assembly and member representing Wase Federal Constituency, urging the Federal Government to strengthen security presence in the area.
The intervention comes in the wake of a recent attack by bandits on Zak community in Bashar Chiefdom, during which four security personnel, including a mobile police officer, were killed.
The incident sparked widespread concern and anxiety among residents.
Rt Hon. Wase and other community stakeholders expressed joy as they witnessed the arrival of the troops, describing the deployment as a major boost to local security efforts.
The special forces, led by the Sector 2 Commander in Wase Local Government Area, Colonel Gbenga Olutoyim, are expected to suppress bandit activities across towns and villages within Bashar Chiefdom, including Kudus, Yuli, Kanpani, Zurak, Bangalala, Zak, Gajin Bashar, Safio, Sabon Layi, Bunyum, Dogon Ruwa, Sabon Gari, Adua, Ginyir and other surrounding communities.
Speaking on the development, Rt Hon. Wase stressed the need for increased manpower among security agencies to effectively tackle, reduce and ultimately eliminate criminal activities in the area.
Represented by his Special Adviser, Hon. Muhammed Abubakar Badu, the lawmaker described the deployment as a significant milestone towards achieving lasting peace and peaceful coexistence.
“Today, we clearly see that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is determined to confront banditry and kidnapping in this country,” he said. “We also commend the Governor of Plateau State, Barrister Caleb Mutfwang, for being proactive and responsive in addressing these security challenges. We are grateful to our son, Rt Hon. Ahmed Idris Wase, whose intervention has yielded this result.”
He urged residents to cooperate fully with the military and other security agencies to enable them to carry out their duties effectively and in line with the rules of engagement.
He also warned community members acting as informants for bandits to desist or face the consequences.
“These informants are within our own communities. An injury to one is an injury to all. Any benefit they think they may gain will be temporary and could ultimately cost them their lives,” he cautioned.
Meanwhile, traditional leaders in the area, including the Acting Rekna of Bashar, His Royal Highness Alhaji Ali Nuhu, who also serves as Madakin Bashar, and Alhaji Abubakar Yusuf, the Magayakin Bashar, called on their subjects to refrain from actions that threaten national security and to give full support to ongoing military operations to ensure peace and stability.
According to Daily Champion, Rt Hon. Idris Wase also donated items to support the establishment of the new military base in Bashar Chiefdom.
The items include motorcycles, 100 bags of rice, 300 mattresses, 100 bags of maize, 40 cartons of spaghetti, two bags of salt, one ram and one cow.
