More than 300 Nigerian Army personnel have been deployed to Bashar Chiefdom in Wase Local Government Area of Plateau State as part of renewed efforts to combat terrorism, kidnapping, and cattle rustling in the area.
The troops, deployed under Operation Enduring Peace (OPEP) and led by the Sector 2 Commander, Colonel Olugbenga Osuntuyi, arrived on Monday to a warm and colourful reception by traditional rulers, women, youths, students, and other residents. The soldiers were welcomed with folk songs, placards, and loud cheers.
Addressing the gathering, the Magayakin Bashar, Alhaji Abubakar Yusuf, described the deployment as timely and long overdue, noting that the community had suffered prolonged security challenges. He commended the Chief of Army Staff and the General Officer Commanding (GOC) overseeing Plateau, Bauchi, Nasarawa, and neighbouring states for approving the deployment, assuring the troops of the community’s full cooperation.
He emphasized that the people of Bashar were peace-loving and would not shield criminal elements, adding that recent incidents of kidnapping and killings highlighted the urgency of a sustained military presence in the area.
Also speaking, the Madakin of Bashar and Acting Rekna, Alhaji Ali Nuhu, urged residents to work closely with the military and refrain from any form of collaboration with criminals. He warned that anyone found undermining security efforts would be held accountable, stressing the community’s resolve to reclaim peace and stability. He also praised Colonel Osuntuyi for his professionalism and integrity, calling on traditional leaders to be truthful and supportive of security operations.
Representing the Member for Wase Federal Constituency, Rt. Hon. Ahmed Idris Maje, his Senior Aide, Hon. Abubakar Muhammad Badu, said the deployment followed a motion of urgent public importance raised in the House of Representatives over the worsening insecurity in Bashar Chiefdom.
He explained that although the lawmaker was absent due to an official engagement in Owerri, he played a key role in facilitating the establishment of the military base and supporting the troops. Hon. Badu disclosed that Rt. Hon. Maje provided logistics and welfare items for the new military camp, including motorcycles, 300 mattresses, 100 bags of rice, 100 bags of maize, 40 cartons of spaghetti, two bags of salt, one ram, and one cow.
He added that two boreholes were also drilled to ensure a steady water supply for the soldiers, assuring that additional support would be provided as the need arises.
Speaking to journalists, Hon. Badu stressed that community cooperation was essential to ending banditry, noting that informants within communities remained a major challenge to lasting peace. He described the deployment as a major breakthrough and commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Plateau State Governor, Barr. Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang, for their commitment to tackling insecurity.
The visit also included an inspection of the newly established military base, where Colonel Osuntuyi was shown the motorcycles, tents, mattresses, and other facilities provided for the troops.
Residents of Bashar Chiefdom expressed optimism that the military presence would significantly enhance security and restore lasting peace to the area and surrounding communities.
