Residents of Bashar Chiefdom in Wase Local Government Area of Plateau State on Monday gave a warm reception to over 300 Nigerian Army personnel deployed to the area to combat rising cases of terrorism, kidnapping and cattle rustling.
The troops, under Operation Enduring Peace (OPEP), were led by the Sector 2 Commander, Colonel Olugbenga Osuntuyi, and were welcomed by traditional rulers, women, students, youth groups and other community members with folk music and placards.
Traditional Rulers Express Hope, Pledge Support
In his welcome address, the Magayakin Bashar Alh. Abubakar Yusuf described the deployment as a long-awaited intervention and a memorable day for the community.
“We know your work and the effort the Colonel has been making in this area. He has been requesting additional personnel for a long time, and this is the right time that the Chief of Army Staff has sent you directly to work with him so that peace can return to our domain,” he said.
The traditional ruler thanked the Chief of Army Staff and the General Officer Commanding (GOC) overseeing Plateau, Bauchi, Nasarawa and neighbouring states, assuring the troops of full community cooperation.
“Any criminal you come across, deal with him decisively. We are not biased. We are not supporting criminals here. Even as recently as yesterday, our people were kidnapped and one person was killed. We are very happy today because we have witnessed your arrival,” he added.
‘Kaki No Be Leather’ — Acting Rekna of Bashar
Also speaking, the Madakin of Bashar and Acting Rekna, Alhaji Ali Nuhu, urged residents to cooperate fully with the military, warning against sabotage or collaboration with criminals.
“Since yesterday we have been expecting you. Seeing you today, we know that kaki no be leather. We will cooperate and support you for the sake of our land. If anyone is not sincere and is brought for questioning, we don’t know what discussion they will face,” he said.
He described Colonel Osuntuyi as “a soldier with integrity” and called on all traditional leaders and residents to act truthfully to ensure peace.
Federal Lawmaker’s Intervention Pays Off
Speaking on behalf of the Member representing Wase Federal Constituency, Right Honourable Ahmed Idris Maje, his Senior Aide, Hon. Abubakar Muhammad Badu, said the deployment was a direct result of a motion of urgent public importance raised at the House of Representatives over insecurity in Bashar Chiefdom.
“Today, we are happy to receive more support from the Nigerian Army. This intervention is a result of the motion raised by the Right Honourable Ahmed Idris Majid on banditry, kidnapping and cattle rustling in this area,” he said.
He explained that although the lawmaker was unavoidably absent due to an official engagement in Owerri, he had closely followed developments and facilitated logistics for the new military base.
Donations to Support the Military Camp
According to Badu, Hon. Ahmed Idris Maje supported the establishment of the Bashar military base with several items and logistics, including:
- 10 motorcycles
- 300 mattresses
- 100 bags of rice
- 100 bags of maize
- 40 cartons of spaghetti
- 2 bags of salt
- 1 ram and 1 cow
He also disclosed that two boreholes were drilled to provide water for the troops and assured that support would continue.
“This is just the beginning. He said you should not hesitate to inform him of any request that will add value to your operations. The community will treat you with respect and support you fully,” he said.
Call for Community Cooperation, End to Informants
In an interview, Badu emphasized the importance of cooperation between civilians and security agencies, stressing that informants within communities were a major challenge to ending banditry.
“Any society that is not united is bound to fail. These informants are people within our own communities. An injury to one is an injury to all. Whatever benefit they think they gain will be temporary and destructive,” he warned.
He described the deployment as a major milestone and praised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Plateau State Governor, Barr. Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang, for their commitment to tackling insecurity.
Inspection of Camp Facilities
During the visit, Muhammad Abubakar Badu led Colonel Olugbenga Osuntuyi on an inspection tour of the new military base, showcasing the motorcycles, mattresses, tents and other resources provided for the troops.
Community members expressed optimism that the presence of the military would restore peace and improve security across Bashar Chiefdom and neighbouring areas.
