The Defence Media Operations(DMO) of the Defence Headquarters in Abuja says the attention of the Defence Headquarters has been drawn to an online Vanguard publication of 30 October 2020 ( 5.43pm) with the caption, “SOLDIERS ALLEGEDLY KILL FOUR PERSONS, DUMP BODY INSIDE POND IN JOS” a story by Marie- Therese Nanlong Jos.
A Press release from the DMO, signed by its Coordinator, MAJ GEN JOHN ENENCHE titled RE- “SOLDIERS ALLEGEDLY KILL FOUR PERSONS, DUMP BODY INSIDE POND IN JOS” said contrary to the pictures being painted by the publication the Armed Forces operation under Operation Safe Haven in Plateau state on Sunday 25 October 2020, responded to an invasion of the private property of the former Speaker at Lamingo by hoodlums with a view to looting it.
Acting under the guidance of extant rules of engagement and Standing Operating Procedures for such situations, the troops were able to bring the situation under control.
According to ENENCHE, a total number of 30 looters were apprehended.
He also said an additional 114 hoodlums comprising 21 females and 93 males were apprehended for looting and they have since been paraded before the Press by the headquarters of Operation Safe Haven.
The press release said in full:
“The attention of the Defence Headquarters has been drawn to an online Vanguard publication of 30 October 2020 ( 5.43pm) with the above caption, ( story by Marie- Therese Nanlong Jos).
“In the said publication, the writer reported that; some residents of Gwafan village in Jos North local Government Area, claimed that soldiers attached to the Special Task (STF) Force, Operation SAFE HAVEN (OPSH), killed 4 members of the community and dumped their bodies in surrounding Dams in the area during an attempt to stop hoodlums from looting the residence of the former Speaker of the House of Representatives, Honourable Yakubu Dogara.
“For the records, on Sunday 25 October 2020, hoodlums and vandals invaded the private property of the former Speaker at Lamingo, with a view to looting it. Consequently, troops of the STF, OPSH, which is saddled with the responsibility of maintaining peace and tranquility in Plateau State and environs, were immediately deployed to bring the situation under control.
“ Guided by extant Rules of Engagement and Standing Operating Procedures for such situations, the highly professional troops arrived at the residence and apprehended a total number of 30 looters. Additionally, a total of 114 hoodlums comprising 21 females and 93 males were apprehended for looting. Recall that Headquarters Operation SAFE HAVEN paraded the suspects before the press, and this was widely reported in various main stream and online media.
“ It is worthy to mention that the timely intervention of our troops at the residence of the former Speaker ensured that the situation was nipped in the bud. Thus, the story is a malicious and mischievous publication against the Nigerian Military and Operation SAFE HAVEN in particular, that has commendably fostered peace in Plateau State. It is also worthy of mention that on 26 October 2020, 41 suspected hoodlums comprising 6 females and 35 males were arrested and thereafter released after profiling. One therefore wonders where there was shooting for a situation that was managed professionally to bring the situation under control.
“ Consequently, the Defence Headquarters wishes to commend the highly professional troops of Operation SAFE HAVEN for their dedication to duty. Members of the general public are also assured of their safety and are encouraged to go about their lawful activities without any fear. Additionally, it is always advisable for Media organizations to verify their facts before rushing to publish untrue and unverified stories.
