The Plateau government has commended the Nigerian Army for approving new formations and units in vulnerable communities across the state.
Mrs Josephine Piyo, the Deputy Governor, gave the commendation when she visited Lt.-Gen. Waidi Shaibu, the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), on Tuesday in Jos.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Shaibu approved the establishment of the 24 Armour Brigade in Langtang.
The brigade will have component units in Mangu, Wase and Shendam Local Government Areas (LGAs) of the state.
Piyo described the initiative as a timely intervention that would strengthen security and consolidate the prevailing peace across Plateau.
She said the initiative was strategic, adding that it would enhance security coverage and improve troops’ capacity to respond swiftly to threats.
“This move further demonstrates the commitment of the Nigerian Army under Shaibu to bringing security closer to the people,” she said.
Piyo said the initiative would deny criminal elements freedom of action and reinforce public confidence in security agencies.
“No doubt, the increased military presence will reinforce public confidence, strengthen early response to security threats and contribute significantly to sustaining peace,” she said.
She assured the COAS of the state government’s readiness to provide accommodation and other necessary support for the troops.
“Let me assure the COAS of our readiness to provide accommodation and other necessary support to facilitate the deployment,” Piyo said.
She said such support would facilitate the effective functioning of troops in the new formations and units.
Responding, Shaibu disclosed that additional troops, including a battalion, would be deployed to Plateau to reinforce existing formations.
He said the deployment would enhance the Army’s capacity to address current and emerging security threats in the state.
Shaibu also disclosed that President Bola Tinubu had approved the recruitment of an additional 20,000 personnel.
He said the recruitment would strengthen newly established formations and units while enhancing the Army’s operational capacity nationwide.
According to him, the expansion of the Army’s presence in Plateau will improve operational reach and responsiveness.
He said it would also provide greater security for vulnerable communities across the state.
The COAS, however, urged relevant stakeholders and the private sector to complement government’s efforts to strengthen security operations.
He called for support for initiatives that would enhance the effectiveness and sustainability of security operations.
Shaibu also urged Plateau residents to support the Nigerian Army and other security agencies in tackling insecurity across the state. (NAN)
