The Joint Task Force, Operation ENDURING PEACE, has explained the circumstances surrounding a viral video showing an encounter between its troops and personnel of the Nigeria Police Force in Bassa Local Government Area of Plateau State.
The task force said its troops were responding to a distress call reporting sporadic gunfire and the killing of a resident, identified as Adamu Suleiman, in Mai Farin Moto, Maraban Dere and adjoining communities on October 20, 2026.
In a statement issued by its Media Information Officer, Captain Chinonso Polycarp Oteh, the headquarters said troops of Sector 3 were deployed to assess the security situation, establish the circumstances surrounding the incident, prevent further escalation and protect lives and property.
According to the statement, the troops, upon arrival, sought to engage police personnel operating in the area to clarify the situation and facilitate a coordinated security response.
However, the interaction was reportedly characterised by a lack of cooperation from some police personnel, despite efforts by the troops to de-escalate tensions and maintain operational discipline.
The task force stressed that the military personnel’s intervention was prompted by an operational distress call and undertaken in the interest of public safety.
It urged the public to consider the circumstances that necessitated the deployment rather than rely on narratives that might misrepresent the incident.
Operation ENDURING PEACE reaffirmed its commitment to impartiality, professionalism and the protection of lives and property across its joint operations area.
The task force emphasised that effective security operations depend on inter-agency coordination, mutual respect, adherence to established procedures and a unified approach among security agencies.
It added that issues arising from the encounter were being addressed through appropriate command and inter-agency channels to establish the facts, preserve operational cohesion and prevent a recurrence.
The headquarters also urged members of the public and media practitioners to verify information before publication and avoid circulating unsubstantiated accounts capable of undermining public confidence or straining relations among security agencies.
It assured residents of Plateau State of its continued commitment to maintaining law and order, protecting innocent citizens and consolidating peace and security across the joint operations area.
