The Joint Task Force, Operation Enduring Peace, says its troops were deployed to communities in Bassa Local Government Area of Plateau State following reports of gunfire and the killing of a resident, Adamu Suleiman.
The task force disclosed this in a statement issued on Sunday by its Media Information Officer, Captain Chinonso Polycarp Oteh.
It said the incident occurred on October 20, 2026, when troops of Sector Three responded to a distress call from Mai Farin Moto, Maraban Dere and neighbouring communities.
According to the statement, the deployment was aimed at assessing the security situation, establishing the circumstances surrounding the reported killing, preventing further violence and protecting lives and property.
The task force said its personnel attempted to engage police officers operating in the area to clarify the situation and coordinate their response.
However, it alleged that the interaction was hampered by a lack of cooperation from some police personnel, despite efforts by the troops to ease tensions and maintain discipline.
“The Joint Task Force emphasises that the troops’ intervention was prompted by an operational distress call and undertaken in the interest of public safety,” the statement said.
The military formation was responding to a viral video circulating online concerning an encounter between soldiers and personnel of the Nigeria Police Force in Bassa.
It said the circumstances surrounding the incident were being addressed through established command and inter-agency channels to determine the facts and prevent a recurrence.
Operation Enduring Peace also stressed the need for cooperation among security agencies, noting that effective operations depended on mutual respect, adherence to established procedures and coordinated action.
The statement added that the task force remained committed to impartiality, professionalism and the protection of residents across its area of responsibility.
It urged members of the public and media organisations to verify information before publication and avoid spreading unconfirmed reports that could undermine public confidence or strain relations among security agencies.
The task force assured Plateau residents of its continued commitment to maintaining law and order and consolidating peace and security across the state.
