The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, has approved the immediate deployment of the Chief of Army Staff Intervention Battalion, a special forces unit, to Plateau State to tackle the recent resurgence of terrorist and related security threats.
The troops, who have already arrived in the state, are expected to carry out aggressive and decisive operations aimed at neutralising terrorist, criminal elements and restoring peace across affected communities.
The special forces were received at the Headquarters of 3 Division of the Nigerian Army by the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 3 Division and Commander of Joint Task Force, Operation ENDURING PEACE, Major General Folusho Oyinlola. He was represented at the reception by the Chief of Staff, Operation ENDURING PEACE, Brigadier General Senlong Sule.
Welcoming the troops, the GOC urged them to be firm, decisive, and uncompromising in the conduct of offensive operations against bandits and other criminal groups. He commended the proactive leadership of the Chief of Army Staff for approving the deployment and for providing critical combat enablers and logistics to ensure the effective execution of the troops’ mandate.
Major General Oyinlola also appealed to residents of Plateau State to remain calm and not panic over the increased movement of troops and heavy military equipment within the state. He expressed appreciation to citizens for their continued support to the military and called for enhanced cooperation through the provision of timely and actionable intelligence on the whereabouts of criminal elements.
He noted that such collaboration would significantly aid ongoing operations and contribute to the restoration of lasting peace and security in the state.
The deployment forms part of ongoing efforts by the Nigerian Army to reinforce security operations and curb criminal activities threatening lives and property in Plateau State.
The development was disclosed in a statement signed by Captain Chinonso Polycarp Oteh, Media Information Officer, Joint Task Force Operation ENDURING PEACE, on Monday, February 9, 2026.