The Nigerian Army has clarified the circumstances surrounding a viral video showing an alleged confrontation between soldiers and police officers in Plateau State, urging members of the public to avoid spreading unverified information about the incident.
The clarification was issued by the Joint Task Force, Operation ENDURING PEACE (JTF-OPEP), following the circulation of footage purportedly showing security personnel in a tense encounter in the Rafiki area of Bassa Local Government Area.
According to the task force, the incident occurred on October 20, 2026, when troops from Sector 3 responded to a distress call reporting sporadic gunfire in Mai Farin Moto, Maraban Dere and neighbouring communities.
The military said the deployment followed reports of the killing of a resident identified as Adamu Suleiman, prompting troops to assess the security situation, prevent further escalation and protect lives and property.
The task force explained that its personnel attempted to engage police officers operating in the area to establish the circumstances surrounding the incident and coordinate an appropriate security response.
However, it alleged that the interaction was hampered by a lack of cooperation from some police personnel, despite efforts to de-escalate tensions and maintain operational discipline.
The military maintained that the troops’ intervention was prompted by an operational distress call and was intended to safeguard residents rather than obstruct legitimate security operations.
Military calls for cooperation among security agencies
Operation ENDURING PEACE stressed that effective security operations depend on cooperation, mutual respect and adherence to established procedures among the various agencies working to maintain law and order.
It added that issues arising from the encounter were being addressed through appropriate command structures and inter-agency channels to establish the facts and prevent a recurrence.
The task force reaffirmed its commitment to professionalism, impartiality and the protection of civilians across its operational area.
It also urged journalists and members of the public to verify information before sharing it, warning that unsubstantiated accounts could undermine public confidence and strain relations between security agencies.
The development comes amid continuing security challenges in parts of Plateau State, where military and police personnel have been conducting operations against suspected criminal groups.
Operation ENDURING PEACE assured residents that its personnel would continue working to protect communities and sustain peace across the state.
