Concerns raised as soldiers dismantle checkpoints in Plateau

The Special Task Force (STF) in Plateau state has given reasons for the dismantling of security checkpoints stationed along the township routes in Jos.

Its Commander, Maj. Gen. Augustine Agundu said the STF will concentrate its operations in the rural areas going forward.

The news of the dismantling of checkpoints had raised tension among Jos residents.

However, Agundu told newsmen on Saturday in Jos, that the outfit had resolved to give special attention to the hinterlands because they were more vulnerable to attacks.

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He said: “We are not winding up our operations. What we have done is to move deeper into the rural areas. We are acting on a directive from top military authority to scale down the number of troops in the town.

“After the election, there is a greater affirmation of the level of peace in the state.

“We are removing some checkpoints in the metropolis and we are concentrating in the hinterland where we know the people are vulnerable.

“We are still very much in Plateau and we are taking charge of our responsibilities,” he said.

He, however, said that security was everybody’s business, adding that Plateau residents and security agencies must work together to secure the state from crime and criminals.

Agundu said that the Nigeria Police Force, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), and personnel of “Operation Rainbow” would take charge of metropolitan security duties within their statutory roles.

“The overall sense is the shared responsibility that we are practicing. Other security agencies will take charge of the responsibilities assigned to them,” he said.

“As for the STF, we will take charge of the hinterland going forward,” he asserted.

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