The Nigerian army has introduced what it called Hakori Damisa (Tiger’s Teeth) to quell the lingering herders – farmers clashes in Mangu Local Government Area of Plateau state.
The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Major General Taoreed Lagbaja who formally flagged off the special squad yesterday, said that the operation was launched to mitigate the crisis in Mangu and has progressively tackled the deteriorating security situation in the Local Government.
The army Chief charged the soldiers to stamp out every form of security threat in the locality and on the Plateau in general.
He urged them to sustain swift and timely response to distress calls, adding that they should also make it a point of duty to get feedback from the community concerned.
He asked them to build the people’s confidence in the ongoing operations, even as he assured the troops that topmost in his philosophy of command is the provision of Sound Administration, which places premium on the welfare and wellbeing of personnel.
The COAS also held a town hall meeting with critical stakeholders in Mangu, where he averred that all stakeholders must show commitment to what he described as the “Mangu Peace project.”
He said that they and their families are the end beneficiaries when the locality and the state are peaceful.
According to him, for peace and security to be guaranteed, it is pertinent for the tripartite components of the People, Government and the Security agencies to be harmonious and cooperative in their dealings.
General Lagbaja admonished all stakeholders to rein in their children and wards, who foment chaos and bear illicit fire arms, as troops are mandated to neutralize anyone bearing such weapons. He commiserated with every household that lost Loved ones or property in the crisis, saying that no amount of money is worth the life of any individual.
He directed the General Officer Commanding 3 Division, who also doubles as the Commander Operation Safe Haven to work speedily with the stakeholders in ensuring that lasting peace is restored, to facilitate the return of Internally Displaced Persons to their respective communities.
Speaking at the event, the Chairman of Mangu Local Government Council, Markus Artu expressed gratitude to the COAS and the troops for their swift intervention in tackling the upheaval.
He expressed hope that with all hands on deck, enduring peace and stability will be attained in Mangu and the Plateau as a whole.
