The Joint Task Force Operation Enduring Peace (JTF-OPEP) has clarified the recent encounter between its troops and personnel of the Nigeria Police Force in Bassa Local Government Area of Plateau State, saying it was misconstrued as a clash.
The Media Officer of the operation, Capt. Polycarp Oteh, said in a statement on Monday in Jos that the encounter between the two security agencies had been misrepresented.
Videos and photographs of an alleged clash between military and police personnel went viral on social media a few days ago.
It was alleged that troops had prevented police personnel from pursuing some criminals in the area.
However, Oteh said the troops only responded to a distress call following sporadic shootings in Mai Farin Moto, Maraban Dere and adjoining communities.
He said the call also included reports of the suspected killing of a resident, Mr Adamu Suleiman.
“On Oct. 20, troops of our Sector 3, responded to a distress call reporting sporadic gunfire in Mai Farin Moto, Maraban Dere and adjoining communities. This is alongside reports of the suspected killing of a resident, Mr Adamu Suleiman.
“The troops were deployed to the affected area to assess the security situation, establish the circumstances of the incident, prevent escalation and protect lives and property.
“On arrival, the troops sought to engage the police personnel operating in the area to clarify the situation and facilitate a coordinated security response.
“Regrettably, the interaction was characterised by a lack of cooperation from some personnel in spite of efforts to de-escalate tensions and maintain operational discipline,” he said.
Oteh emphasised that the troops’ intervention was prompted by an operational distress call and undertaken in the interest of public safety.
“JTF-OPEP remains committed to impartiality, professionalism and the protection of lives and property.
“As a joint security arrangement, our operational effectiveness depends on inter-agency coordination, mutual respect, adherence to established procedures and unity of effort.
“Issues arising from the incident are being addressed through appropriate command and inter-agency channels to establish the facts, sustain operational cohesion and prevent recurrence,” he explained.
The media officer urged members of the public and journalists to verify information before publication, saying this would help ensure credibility and professionalism.
He assured Plateau residents of the task force’s commitment to maintaining law and order, protecting innocent residents and consolidating peace and security across its joint operations area.
