Military battles criminal gangs in Central Nigeria

Ayorinde Oluokun/Abuja

Nigeria military has announced that it has embarked on a major military operations in Benue,Nasarawa and Plateau, the three states in Central Nigeria where raids by alleged herdsmen armed with sophisticated weapons had led to deaths and displacement of thousands of people since the beginning of the year.

While announcing the move in a statement he issued on Monday, Major General Chris Olukolade, Director of Defence Information,Major General Chris Olukolade said “The Nigerian Army yesterday commenced a major operation to put an end to the activities of all armed men and criminal gangs who have been engaging in wanton killing and destruction of lives and property in 3 states of North Central part of Nigeria.

He added that troops have already been deployed for the major offensive which is covering Benue, Nassarawa and Plateau States.

“The Internal Security Operations is meant to capture and neutralise all the enclaves of criminal gangs. The Nigerian Air Force, Police and other security agencies are also participating in the operation designed to restore peace in the affected states” ,the defence spokesman said.

“Law abiding citizens are enjoined to cooperate by providing timely and useful information to facilitate the operation as it affects their localities” Olukolade said