Restoring Peace on the Plateau: Chief of Army Staff Visits Jos to Strengthen Security

 

In a decisive move to address the recurring security challenges in North-Central Nigeria, the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, conducted a high-profile operational visit to Jos, Plateau State, on Thursday, April 2, 2026. Leading a delegation of top security heads, the Army Chief’s visit serves as an "on-the-spot" assessment aimed at reinforcing the military's commitment to protecting lives and property following recent disturbances in the region.

​The visit comes at a critical time for the "Home of Peace and Tourism," as the Nigerian Army seeks to transition from reactive measures to a more proactive, sustainable security framework. By engaging directly with state leadership and local communities, the COAS is signaling a renewed "Soldier First, Citizen Always" approach to restoring order.

​High-Level Civil-Military Synergy: Meeting with Governor Caleb Mutfwang

​Upon his arrival in Jos, Lieutenant General Shaibu was received by the Executive Governor of Plateau State, Barr. Caleb Mutfwang, at the New Government House in Little Rayfield. This meeting underscored the essential synergy between the state government and the military high command.

​Governor Mutfwang, who has been vocal about the need for a "permanent end" to the cycle of violence, commended the COAS for his timely intervention. The Governor reaffirmed his administration's commitment to supporting both kinetic and non-kinetic operations. He emphasized that while military presence is vital for deterrence, the state is equally focused on social justice, community reconciliation, and economic empowerment to address the root causes of the unrest.

​Operational Briefing: Strengthening "Operation Enduring Peace"

​A central component of the visit was a comprehensive briefing at the Headquarters of the 3 Division Nigerian Army. The COAS received detailed reports from the General Officer Commanding (GOC) and Commander of Joint Task Force (JTF) Operation Enduring Peace, Major General Folusho Oyinlola.

​The briefing highlighted several key tactical shifts being implemented:

• ​Enhanced Intelligence Sharing: Improving the "real-time" flow of information between local vigilantes, the police, and the army to pre-empt attacks.
• ​Rapid Response Mobility: Deploying more agile units to rural "hotspots" that have historically been vulnerable during festive periods or harvest seasons.
• ​Synergy with Sister Agencies: A renewed focus on working alongside the Nigeria Police, DSS, and Civil Defence to ensure a unified front against banditry and communal clashes.

​Lieutenant General Shaibu praised the troops for their resilience and sacrifices, urging them to maintain the highest level of professionalism while dealing with "complex and contemporary" security threats.

​Reassuring the Public: Engagement with Community Leaders

​Beyond the military barracks, the Chief of Army Staff took time to interact with traditional rulers and community leaders in Jos North. The Chairman of Jos North Local Government Area, Hon. Dachung Bagos, noted that the presence of the nation’s top military leadership provides a significant "confidence boost" to the residents.

​The COAS urged the people of Plateau to remain calm and vigilant, stressing that security is a collective responsibility. He appealed to residents to:

1. ​Comply with Curfews: Where applicable, residents are urged to respect movement restrictions to allow security forces to conduct search-and-clear operations.

1. ​Report Suspicious Activity: The "if you see something, say something" mantra remains a cornerstone of the Army’s strategy to flush out criminal elements hiding within communities.
2. ​Reject Retaliatory Violence: The Army Chief emphasized that "jungle justice" only perpetuates the cycle of bloodletting and hinders the path to lasting peace.

​Addressing the Humanitarian and Economic Impact

​The visit also touched upon the broader implications of the security crisis. Insecurity in Plateau State directly threatens Nigeria’s food security, as many farmers are currently afraid to access their ancestral lands.

​By strengthening the security around agrarian communities, the Nigerian Army aims to create a "safe corridor" for agricultural activities to resume. Lieutenant General Shaibu’s visit is seen as a strategic step toward ensuring that Jos remains a welcoming environment for both residents and the many tourists who frequent the state for its unique climate and geography.

​Conclusion: A Roadmap to Sustainable Stability

​The visit of Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu to Jos is a clear indication that the Nigerian Army is not taking the security of the Plateau lightly. However, as the COAS himself noted, military force is only one part of the solution. The path to a truly "peaceful Plateau" requires a combination of robust military presence, transparent governance, and a genuine desire for peace from the local inhabitants.

​As the troops of Operation Enduring Peace continue their mission with renewed vigor, the people of Jos can look forward to a more secure future, anchored by the professionalism of the Nigerian Army and the cooperation of all stakeholders.