In a recent assembly with traditional rulers and community leaders across 13 Districts in Barikin Ladi, Riyom and Jos South Local Government Areas of Plateau state, Major General AE Abubakar, the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 3 Division and Commander Operation SAFE HAVEN (OPSH), voiced his concerns regarding the escalating impact of criminal networks on Plateau’s ongoing crisis. He advocated for a unified approach to solidify state peace, emphasizing the importance of synergy among all stakeholders to eradicate the harmful elements within their communities.
During the meeting at the Headquarters 3 Division Jos, the GOC/Commander OPSH underscored the destructive influence of these syndicates on regional stability and security. He detailed their criminal activities, including arms trafficking, armed robbery, cattle rustling and poisoning, drug smuggling, deliberate farm destruction and other organized crimes, which are intensifying the crisis.
Highlighting the broad repercussions of these criminal networks, which include loss of life, property destruction, and displacement of innocent citizens due to counterattacks prompted by the criminals’ actions, the Commander warned that these criminals, who are part of organized syndicates, span across ethno-religious groups. He highlighted the critical role of collaboration in resolving these issues to ensure enduring peace and progress in Plateau State.
The Commander urged for a collaborative effort among traditional rulers, community leaders, security agencies, and government institutions. He identified the common thread among the criminals as being the result of poor parental guidance and the lack of robust traditional institutions to monitor youth activities. He called for collective action to disrupt these criminal networks, share intelligence, and support law enforcement agencies to uphold long-term peace and security. “We cannot permit a handful of criminals to jeopardize societal peace for their personal gain,” he stated.
The Commander urged residents to report suspicious activities and provide information to aid in identifying and apprehending those involved in these syndicates. He reported that over 60 suspects have been apprehended, many neutralized, and a significant amount of weapons and ammunition has been seized in the past month through a series of operations conducted by OPSH and local security networks.
The meeting concluded with a reinforced commitment from all attendees to ramp up efforts to combat the criminal elements instigating violence in the state.
Major General AE Abubakar expressed his confidence that through coordinated collective action, Plateau State would overcome, maintaining enduring peace and setting the stage for future growth and prosperity.
The meeting included remarks from traditional rulers and a group photo session.
