The Nigerian Army has deployed specially trained troops of the Chief of Army Staff Special Intervention Battalion XV to Benue, Nasarawa, and Taraba states to strengthen internal security and protect vulnerable communities.
The deployment, approved by the Chief of Army Staff, Lt Gen Waidi Shuaibu, was announced in a statement by the acting Media Information Officer of Operation Whirl Stroke, Lt Ahmad Zubairu, on Tuesday. The troops completed an intensive special forces training program at the Nigerian Army Training Centre in Kontagora before being sent to the operational theatres.
“The newly deployed soldiers arrived in the Joint Operations Area with high morale and combat readiness,” the statement said. “They are expected to bring fresh momentum to ongoing efforts aimed at dismantling criminal networks, curbing insecurity, and restoring normalcy to communities affected by banditry, armed violence, and other criminal activities.”
Maj Gen Moses Gara, Force Commander of Operation Whirl Stroke, welcomed the troops and urged them to apply the skills and discipline learned during training. He emphasised professionalism, resilience, and decisiveness against terrorist and criminal elements in the region.
The special forces deployment comes amid renewed attacks on Tiv Christian communities in Takum and Donga local government areas of Taraba State. Residents reported that at least seven people were killed near Peva town on Tuesday, which hosts over 30,000 internally displaced persons.
According to the Northern Christian Religious Leaders Assembly (NOCRELA), more than 100 people have been killed, and over 30 injured in a series of attacks over the past month. The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) also condemned the violence, reporting at least 25 deaths over two days across several communities, including Adu, Aga, Mbaiyerikyaior, Tse-Nev, Facii, Demevaa, and Igbum.
CAN further noted that hundreds of thousands of mostly Christian farmers have been displaced, with many seeking refuge in Peva and Amadu towns. While the Taraba State Government had deployed security personnel earlier, the churches and residents claim the protection lasted only a few days, allowing attacks to continue.
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