Troops of Operation Enduring Peace have explained the circumstances surrounding a viral video showing an encounter between military personnel and officers of the Nigeria Police Force in Bassa Local Government Area of Plateau State.
The Joint Task Force said the troops were responding to a distress call over sporadic gunfire and the reported killing of a resident when the incident occurred.
In a statement issued on Monday by the task force’s Media Information Officer, Captain Chinonso Polycarp Oteh, the military said the operation took place on October 20, 2026, following reports of gunfire in Mai Farin Moto, Maraban Dere and neighbouring communities.
According to the statement, the troops, who are attached to Sector 3 of Operation Enduring Peace, were deployed to assess the security situation, establish the circumstances surrounding the incident, prevent further escalation and protect lives and property.
The task force added that the soldiers sought to engage police personnel operating in the area to clarify the situation and facilitate a coordinated security response.
However, it alleged that the interaction was characterised by a lack of cooperation from some police personnel, despite efforts by the troops to de-escalate tensions and maintain operational discipline.
“The Joint Task Force emphasises that the troops’ intervention was prompted by an operational distress call and undertaken in the interest of public safety,” the statement said.
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The military urged the public to assess accounts of the incident in light of the circumstances that necessitated the troops’ deployment.
It reaffirmed its commitment to impartiality, professionalism and the protection of lives and property, stressing that effective joint security operations depend on inter-agency coordination, mutual respect and adherence to established procedures.
The task force said issues arising from the encounter were being addressed through appropriate command and inter-agency channels to establish the facts, maintain operational cohesion and prevent a recurrence.
It also urged members of the public and media practitioners to verify information before publication and avoid circulating unsubstantiated reports capable of undermining public confidence or straining relations among security agencies.
Operation Enduring Peace assured residents of Plateau State of its determination to maintain law and order, protect innocent citizens and sustain efforts to consolidate peace and security across its area of operations.