More than 300 Nigerian Army personnel have been deployed to Bashar Chiefdom in Wase Local Government Area of Plateau State in a renewed effort to curb terrorism, kidnapping and cattle rustling in the area.
The troops, deployed under Operation Enduring Peace (OPEP) and led by the Sector 2 Commander, Colonel Olugbenga Osuntuyi, arrived on Monday to a colourful welcome by traditional rulers, women, youths, students and other residents, who received them with folk songs, placards and cheers.
Addressing the gathering, the Magayakin Bashar, Alhaji Abubakar Yusuf, described the deployment as a timely and long-anticipated intervention, noting that the community had endured persistent security challenges.
He commended the Chief of Army Staff and the General Officer Commanding (GOC) overseeing Plateau, Bauchi, Nasarawa and neighbouring states for approving the deployment, assuring the soldiers of the community’s full cooperation.
According to him, the people of Bashar were committed to peace and would not shield criminals, adding that recent incidents of kidnapping and killing underscored the urgency of the military presence.
Also speaking, the Madakin of Bashar and Acting Rekna, Alhaji Ali Nuhu, urged residents to work closely with the military and avoid any form of collaboration with criminal elements.
He warned that anyone found undermining security efforts would face the consequences, stressing that the community was determined to reclaim peace and stability. He also praised Colonel Osuntuyi’s professionalism and integrity, calling on traditional leaders to speak the truth and support security operations.
Representing the Member for Wase Federal Constituency, Rt. Hon. Ahmed Idris Maje, his Senior Aide, Hon. Abubakar Muhammad Badu, said the deployment followed a motion of urgent public importance raised at the House of Representatives over worsening insecurity in Bashar Chiefdom.
He explained that although the lawmaker was absent due to an official engagement in Owerri, he had been actively involved in facilitating the establishment of the military base and supporting the troops.
Hon. Badu disclosed that Rt. Hon. Ahmed Idris Maje provided several logistics and welfare items to support the new military camp, including:
Motorcycles, 300 mattresses, 100 bags of rice, 100 bags of maize, 40 cartons of spaghetti, 2 bags of salt, and1 ram and 1 cow
He added that two boreholes had also been drilled to ensure steady water supply for the soldiers, assuring that further support would be provided as needed.
Speaking to journalists, Badu emphasized that community cooperation was critical to ending banditry, noting that informants within communities remained a major obstacle to lasting peace.
He described the deployment as a significant breakthrough and commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Plateau State Governor, Barr. Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang, for their commitment to addressing insecurity.
The visit also featured an inspection tour of the newly established military base, where Colonel Osuntuyi was shown the motorcycles, tents, mattresses and other facilities provided for the troops.
Residents of Bashar Chiefdom expressed optimism that the presence of the soldiers would significantly improve security and restore lasting peace in the area and surrounding communities.
