STF launches special operation to tackle ‘isolated killings’ in Plateau

Bassa (Plateau), Feb. 20, 2021 – The Special Task Force (STF) maintaining peace in Plateau and parts of Bauchi and Kaduna States, has launched a ‘special operation’ to tackle isolated killings in Bassa and parts of Riyom Local Government Areas of Plateau.

Maj.-Gen. Chukwuemeka Okonkwo, the Commander of the task force, in a speech at the launch of the operation at Bassa, in Plateau on Saturday, code-named it “Hakorin Damisa”

According to him, the operation, which will last for four days, will focus on ending armed robbery, kidnapping, cattle rustling, banditry and other crimes in the localities.

“The recent upsurge in activities of kidnappers, armed robbers, bandits, militia groups in Miango, Bassa Local Government Area, has necessitated a special operation to rid the area of these criminals.

“In compliance with the Chief of Defence Staff’s directive to sustain the tempo and momentum toward curbing the menace of criminal activities, we are launching operation “Hakorin Damisa” to curtail heinous crimes in Bassa and Riyom areas.

“The operation is to be carried out with air support in order to wipe out bandits and other criminals within our operational areas.

“The operation, which commences today, February 20, will last for four days,” he said.

Okonkwo said that the non-kinetic approach adopted in the past had not yielded the desired results, hence the need to use a more forceful approach to stem down the spate of insecurity in the areas.

He added that the operation would involve confidence building measures to boost information sharing between the communities and the military.

“Our men will be here in their numbers to occupy and stem down all forms of insecurity.

“We will fully be on ground for these number days to patrol all nooks and crannies. We want to ensure that all criminals are sent away,” he added.

The commander said that some of the men would be stationed around border communities to forestall the invasion of criminals from other states into Plateau.