18/07/2025
Special Envoy Condemns Plateau Attack, Demands Security Reforms
In a press release dated July 18, 2025, Professor Chris Kwaja, the Special Envoy on Peace and Security to the Governor of Plateau State, condemned the recent attack by an organized criminal group in Tahoo village, Riyom Local Government Area. He stated that the attack, which claimed the lives of 27 innocent citizens, represented another episode in a series of deadly assaults against Nigerians. He emphasized that this occurred despite the presence of military and security forces under the Special Task Force Operation Safe Haven (STF-OSH) in the state.
Professor Kwaja asserted that the attack was avoidable, citing early warning signs and intelligence reports indicating an imminent threat. He found it deeply disturbing that security personnel equipped with heavy gear and manning nearby checkpoints failed to prevent the tragic loss of life, given their proximity to the targeted communities.
The Special Envoy declared it imperative to investigate the circumstances of the attacks, particularly allegations that nearby military personnel, despite having prior knowledge of the threat, failed to intervene effectively.
While expressing sympathy for the affected families, especially those who lost loved ones, Professor Kwaja called on the impacted communities to remain vigilant and uphold their responsibilities as law-abiding citizens.
In light of these events, he demanded the following actions:
1. Immediate Investigation: Professor Kwaja demanded that the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) urgently establish a special board of inquiry. This board should investigate the serial attacks and deaths caused by organized criminal groups against Plateau State civilians. He insisted the investigation must focus on the actions and inactions of the stationed military personnel, provide clarity on the circumstances leading to the deaths, and hold those responsible accountable. He stressed a specific focus on command responsibility within the STF, under whose Areas of Responsibility (AoR) such attacks persistently occur.
2. Change in Security Approach: The Special Envoy demanded that the Federal Government, as a matter of priority, withdraw military personnel deployed in flashpoints and replace them with Mobile Police Squads (MOPOL). He argued this change was necessary for a more effective and responsive security strategy, prioritizing the fight against asymmetric warfare – a type of combat he stated the MOPOL is better trained and conversant with.
3. Support for State Initiatives: Professor Kwaja demanded that the Federal Government actively support, both in words and actions, subnational security initiatives like Operation Rainbow. He described Operation Rainbow as a security architecture established by the Plateau State Government, focusing on neighborhood watch. He urged the Federal Government to utilize the framework successfully employed in the North East, where the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF) was mobilized, armed, and operated under military supervision to counter Boko Haram threats.
Professor Kwaja concluded by stating that the people of Nigeria deserve a safe and secure environment. He emphasized that it is the Federal Government's responsibility to guarantee this fundamental right to life by taking full responsibility to protect its citizens.
