Plateau Security Encounter: Military Explains What Happened Between Troops, Police in Bassa
By Matthew Eloyi
The Joint Task Force Operation Enduring Peace (JTF-OPEP) has dismissed reports of a clash between its troops and personnel of the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) in Bassa Local Government Area of Plateau State, describing the incident as a security encounter that was misconstrued on social media.
The clarification followed the circulation of videos and photographs purporting to show a confrontation between military and police personnel, amid allegations that troops had prevented police officers from pursuing suspected criminals in the area.
However, the task force said its troops were responding to a distress call over sporadic gunfire and reports of the suspected killing of a resident when they encountered the police personnel operating in the area.
The Media Officer of JTF-OPEP, Capt. Polycarp Oteh, made the clarification in a statement issued in Jos on Monday, explaining that the military’s intervention was motivated by the need to establish the security situation, prevent further escalation and protect lives and property.
According to Oteh, troops of Sector 3 were deployed on October 20 following reports of sporadic shooting in Mai Farin Moto, Maraban Dere and neighbouring communities in Bassa LGA, alongside information about the suspected killing of a resident, identified as Mr Adamu Suleiman.
He said the troops proceeded to the affected communities to assess the circumstances surrounding the incident and determine the appropriate security response.
“On arrival, the troops sought to engage the police personnel operating in the area to clarify the situation and facilitate a coordinated security response,” he said.
Oteh, however, disclosed that the interaction did not proceed as expected, alleging that some police personnel were uncooperative despite efforts by the troops to de-escalate tensions and maintain operational discipline.
The task force maintained that its deployment was based on an operational distress call and was undertaken in the interest of public safety, rather than an attempt to obstruct the activities of another security agency.
The incident has drawn attention to the importance of coordination among security agencies operating in volatile communities, where timely communication and cooperation are essential to preventing violence, protecting civilians and responding effectively to security threats.
JTF-OPEP stressed that effective security operations depend on mutual respect, adherence to established procedures and a shared commitment to public safety, particularly in areas where multiple agencies may be responding to the same incident.
“As a joint security arrangement, our operational effectiveness depends on inter-agency coordination, mutual respect, adherence to established procedures and unity of effort,” Oteh stated.
He added that issues arising from the encounter were being addressed through appropriate command and inter-agency channels to establish the facts, sustain operational cohesion and prevent a recurrence.
The clarification also underscored the task force’s position that the incident should not be interpreted as a breakdown of the broader security collaboration between the military and police, but as a matter requiring clarification through established institutional processes.
Beyond the controversy surrounding the encounter, the task force reiterated its commitment to maintaining law and order, protecting innocent residents and consolidating peace across its joint operations area in Plateau State.
Oteh also urged journalists and members of the public to verify information before publishing or circulating it, warning against the spread of unconfirmed reports that could undermine public confidence and distort the circumstances surrounding security operations.
For residents of Bassa and other communities affected by insecurity, the task force’s assurance comes amid the continuing need for effective security responses, improved inter-agency communication and sustained efforts to protect lives and property.
While the command said the matter was being handled through the appropriate channels, the incident highlights the need for security agencies to maintain clear communication and operational discipline to ensure that disagreements do not distract from their shared responsibility of safeguarding the public.