COAS deploys special forces to Plateau
In response to a renewed surge in insecurity and terror activity in Plateau State, the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, has ordered the immediate deployment of special forces troops to the troubled north-central region. The move comes as communities in parts of the state continue to face recurring violent attacks linked to banditry, militia violence and other criminal elements that threaten lives, property and economic stability. 
The deployed unit — the Chief of Army Staff Intervention Battalion, a specialised special forces contingent of the Nigerian Army — was dispatched to Plateau State with clear instructions to undertake aggressive, decisive and targeted operations against criminal networks responsible for the uptick in insecurity. 
What the Deployment Entails
According to a statement from the Joint Task Force (Operation Enduring Peace), the special forces battalion has already arrived in Plateau State and is expected to reinforce existing military operations aimed at quelling the resurgence of bandit and terror attacks that have shaken rural communities in recent weeks. 
The troops were formally received at the Headquarters of 3 Division, Nigerian Army by Major General Folusho Oyinlola, General Officer Commanding (GOC) 3 Division and Commander of Operation Enduring Peace. Representing him at the ceremony was Brigadier General Senlong Sule, Chief of Staff for the operation, who urged the newly deployed troops to conduct offensive operations with precision, determination and ruthlessness against criminal elements threatening Plateau’s peace. 
Officials described the deployment of special forces as a game-changer capable of bolstering the fight against insecurity at a time when residents and security experts have grown increasingly alarmed by recurring violent incidents across several local government areas. 
https://ogelenews.ng/coas-deploys-special-forces-to-plateau
Why the Deployment Was Ordered
Plateau State has a long and complex history of security challenges that have taken root over decades. Originally sparked by ethnoreligious tensions and disputes over land and local governance structures, these crises have been compounded in recent years by bandit raids, terror attacks and communal clashes that have displaced thousands and claimed many lives. 
Although the situation has seen occasional improvements, incidents of violence have persisted into 2026, leading to fears that a significant escalation could spread unless addressed with forceful action. The renewed insecurity includes attacks attributed to suspected militia and bandit groups, prompting calls from residents and local leaders for increased military presence to safeguard vulnerable communities. 
COAS Shaibu’s decision to deploy special forces reflects the Nigerian Army’s acknowledgment that conventional security measures alone may not suffice in the face of increasingly sophisticated and mobile criminal networks. The emphasis on a special forces approach — involving well-trained, highly mobile units equipped for rapid offensive operations — signals a shift toward more proactive and aggressive strategies to quell the violence. 
What the Army Says
In his remarks during the reception of the troops, Brigadier General Senlong Sule emphasised that the special forces are tasked with decisive and offensive missions aimed at denying bandits freedom of movement. He credited COAS Shaibu’s leadership for provisioning “combat enablers and other logistic support” necessary to guarantee the success of the deployment. 
The commanding officers also appealed to Plateau residents not to panic at the unusual movement of troops and heavy military equipment. Authorities assured citizens that the presence of additional forces is designed to protect lives and property, not to instil fear. 
Critically, military officials also called for increased cooperation between local communities and security forces. Residents have been urged to provide credible, actionable intelligence on the whereabouts of criminals and suspected terror cells to aid effective operations. The authorities underscored that community support remains essential to success, as local cooperation often makes the difference in locating and neutralising hard-to-find threats. 
Reactions and Local Perspectives
The deployment has drawn mixed reactions among locals and stakeholders. Some community leaders and analysts described the move as necessary, citing the need to restore peace urgently in areas where banditry and armed attacks have disrupted daily life, agriculture and commerce. Increased troop presence, they argue, could discourage criminals and reassure residents who have lived in fear. 
Meanwhile, others urged caution, noting that military action must be paired with political solutions, community engagement and socioeconomic recovery programs to address underlying causes of violent conflict. Critics also highlighted that while a more aggressive security posture may yield short-term gains, sustainable peace will require long-term strategies that include development, justice and reconciliation within affected communities. 
Plateau State’s security issues have long intersected with broader national debates over internal displacement, investment in rural economies, and the role of traditional institutions in conflict resolution, making this deployment a potentially pivotal moment in the ongoing effort to stabilise the region. 
Why It Matters
The decision by the COAS to deploy special forces to Plateau is significant for several reasons:
• It marks a shift toward more assertive military intervention in internal security challenges.
• It highlights the gravity of the resurgence of banditry and terror attacks in the state.
• It underscores the federal military leadership’s commitment to protecting vulnerable communities.
• It reinforces the Nigerian Army’s capabilities to respond rapidly to emergent threats.
This deployment comes at a time when national security remains a top priority for the federal government and armed forces alike, amidst persistent threats across different regions of the country. 
Looking Ahead
While the immediate effect of the deployment of special forces will likely be measured in improved security reports and reduced criminal activity in the short term, observers stress that restoring peace to Plateau State will require ongoing vigilance, strategic military operations and community collaboration.
For now, the presence of the Chief of Army Staff Intervention Battalion — a highly trained and rapidly deployable unit — offers a concrete demonstration that the Nigerian Army is adapting its tactics to address evolving threats and to protect citizens from violence that continues to threaten life and prosperity in Plateau State and beyond. 
https://punchng.com/insecurity-coas-deploys-special-forces-to-plateau
COAS deploys special forces to Plateau
