By Zakaa Lazarus
Headquarters Joint Task Force, Operation Endurance Peace (JTF-OPEP), has clarified the operational circumstances surrounding a viral video showing an encounter between troops and personnel of the Nigeria Police Force in Bassa Local Government Area of Plateau State.
This was disclosed in a statement issued on 25 October 2026 by the Media Information Officer of the Joint Task Force, Captain Chinonso Polycarp Oteh.
According to the statement, on 20 October 2026, troops of Sector 3, Operation ENDURING PEACE, responded to a distress call reporting sporadic gunfire in Mai Farin Moto, Maraban Dere and adjoining communities, alongside reports of the killing of a local 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, despite efforts to de-escalate tensions and maintain operational discipline,” the statement said.
The Joint Task Force emphasised that the troops’ intervention was prompted by an operational distress call and undertaken in the interest of public safety, adding that any contrary narrative should be considered against the circumstances that necessitated the deployment.
Operation ENDURING PEACE reiterated its commitment to impartiality, professionalism and the protection of lives and property, noting that as a joint security arrangement, its operational effectiveness depends on inter-agency coordination, mutual respect, adherence to established procedures and unity of effort.
It added that 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.
The Task Force urged the public and media practitioners to verify information before publication and refrain from disseminating unsubstantiated accounts capable of undermining public confidence or disrupting inter-agency relations.
Operation ENDURING PEACE assured residents of Plateau State of its continued resolve to maintain law and order, protect innocent citizens and consolidate peace and security across the Joint Operations Area.
