Plateau Attacks: COAS rejects calls for self-defence

Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja has rejected calls for self-defence amid the recent attacks in Plateau.

The North-Central state witnessed over 195 casualties in the latest attacks, with numerous individuals sustaining injuries.

Despite widespread condemnation both within and outside the country, the Army Chief maintains that advocating for self-defence equates to promoting “anarchy.”

“I do not support that. I think that is a call for anarchy,” he said on Sunday on Channels Television’s end-of-year programme “2023: Year Of Transition”.

He stated that the Nigerian Army is fully capable of safeguarding the nation, negating the necessity for self-defence.

He also mentioned that, in an endeavour to enhance security in Plateau, additional troops are being dispatched to the region.

“I have reeled out our plans for 2024 for Plateau State.  The troops that we are deploying to Plateau, are on their way to Plateau now,” he said.

“This night or first light tomorrow, they should be on the Plateau. We are sending more equipment to enhance the efficiency of the troops.”

The attacks reportedly impacted more than 50 villages, prompting President Bola Tinubu to call for a comprehensive investigation.

The assaults have garnered international condemnation, with the United Nations urging the Federal Government to conduct a thorough inquiry into the incidents.

“I call on the Nigerian authorities to investigate this incident promptly, thoroughly, and independently, consistent with international human rights law, and to hold those responsible to account in fair trials,” UN rights chief Volker Turk said in a statement.

“The cycle of impunity fuelling recurrent violence must be urgently broken. The government should also take meaningful steps to address the underlying root causes and to ensure non-recurrence of this devastating violence.”

North-West and central Nigeria have been long terrorised by bandit militias operating from bases deep in forests and raiding villages to loot and kidnap residents for ransom.

Competition for natural resources between nomadic herders and farmers, intensified by rapid population growth and climate pressures, has also exacerbated social tensions and sparked violence.