Special Task Force re-strategizes; Deploy more troops to hinterland to stop rural attacks – Commander.

The Special Task Force (STF), charged with ensuring security in Plateau state and environs has carried out a new strategy towards attaining its mandate more effectively.

Towards this end, the STF will henceforth concentrate its operations in the rural areas going forward, its Commander, Maj. Gen. Augustine Agundu has said.

Addressing newsmen on Saturday in Jos, Major General Agundu noted that the outfit had resolved to give special attention to the hinterlands because they were more vulnerable to attacks from criminal elements including bandits, armed herdsmen and militia groups.

Reacting to reported apprehension that has gripped Jos metropolis over the dismantling of security checkpoints stationed along the township, the STF Commander said, “We are not winding up our operations. What we have done is to move deeper into the rural areas.

“We are acting on a directive from top military authority to scale down the number of troops in the town.

“After the election, there is a greater affirmation of the level of peace in the state.

“We are removing some check points in the metropolis and we are concentrating in the hinterland where we know the people are vulnerable.

“We are still very much in Plateau and we are taking charge of our responsibilities”.

He emphasized that security was everybody’s business, adding that Plateau residents and security agencies must work together to secure the state from crime and criminals.

Agundu said that the Nigeria Police Force, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), and personnel of “Operation Rainbow” would take charge of metropolitan security duties within their statutory roles.

“The overall sense is the shared responsibility that we are practicing. Other security agencies will take charge of the responsibilities assigned to them,” he said.

“As for the STF, we will take charge of the hinterland going forward,” he asserted.

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