The federal government has appealed to Nigerians to avoid spreading unverified information that could heighten tension in Plateau state following the killing of over twenty people Sunday night.
The government also promised a tough time for the criminal elements, vowing not to bow to any attempt by them to disrupt the nation’s peace.
Minister of Information and National Orientation, Alhaji Mohammed Idris, stated this while addressing journalists Tuesday in Abuja.
“We urge all citizens to remain calm, law-abiding, and to cooperate fully with security agencies. It is also important to avoid the spread of unverified information that could heighten tensions or undermine ongoing efforts to restore peace,” he said.
The minister disclosed that following the incident, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, held a high-level meeting with the nation’s top security and intelligence chiefs to review the situation and take further decisive steps towards arriving at a lasting solution.
He also noted that following the meeting, Governor Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang was invited by President Tinubu to further deliberate and chart a coordinated path towards lasting peace and security.
“The outcome of the meeting between President Tinubu and Governor Mutfwang will be made public in due course.
“These actions underscore the seriousness with which the Federal Government is treating this matter and its firm commitment to ensuring that all necessary actions are taken promptly and effectively,” he said.
Idris added that the government had directed all security agencies to ensure that those responsible for this heinous act are identified, apprehended, and brought to justice.
“There will be no safe haven for criminal elements anywhere in Nigeria. Ongoing operations are already generating actionable intelligence, and we are confident that those behind this attack will be held accountable,” he said.
…Debunks social media reports
Contrary to reports on social media and some online media, the minister said security agencies responded immediately to the incident.
According to him, troops under Operation Enduring Peace were rapidly mobilised to the scene following distress calls.
“The military and other security agencies cordoned off the affected area, secured key access routes, and launched targeted search-and-clearance operations to track down the perpetrators.
“These swift actions ensured that the situation was quickly contained and prevented further escalation.
“This response is part of a broader and sustained Federal Government security architecture in Plateau State and the wider North-Central region.
“The Nigerian Armed Forces have continued to carry out clearance operations and intelligence-led missions across vulnerable communities following attacks recorded in recent months. Reinforced surveillance and troop deployments have also been implemented in high-risk areas, supported by joint military-police patrols and strengthened rapid response mechanisms. These coordinated efforts are designed to neutralise threats proactively and maintain stability,” he said.
‘…1,359 suspects arrested, 813 kidnapped victims rescued’
In a related development, the Defence Headquarters (DHQ) Tuesday said troops deployed to different theatres of operations arrested 1,359 suspects and rescued 813 kidnapped civilians in the first quarter of 2026.
It also said the security collaboration between Nigeria and the United States of America was yielding the right results.
“The United States Army is helping us with intelligence and training. There are a lot of things that I cannot say because of confidentiality.
“All I can say is that these things have gestation period, you may not see immediate results but in the next few months you will begin to see results. Just be rest assured that they are giving us adequate intelligence on where the threats are,” he said.
The military high command also said 197 insurgents surrendered while 458 arms and 15,899 rounds of ammunition were recovered in the last three months.
Addressing journalists in Abuja, Director Defence Media Operations, Maj.-Gen. Michael Onoja, noted that troops also dismantled 101 illegal refining sites dismantled in the Niger-delta.
He said: “The First Quarter of 2026 demonstrated the unwavering resolve, professionalism, and gallantry of the men and women of the Armed Forces of Nigeria.
“Across seven operational theatres, the AFN delivered measurable strategic outcomes. Notably, the confirmation by ISWAP of the death of senior Shura Council member Abu Yahya Al-Muhajir attests to the irreversible impact of AFN’s sustained kinetic operations on the group’s command structure.”
According to the defence spokesperson, troops of Operation HADIN KAI sustained aggressive and unrelenting kinetic campaign against remnants of Boko Haram, the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), and Jama’atu Ahlis Sunna Lidda’awati wal-Jihad (JAS) across Borno, Adamawa, Bauchi, Taraba, Yobe, and Gombe states.
He said operations, during the quarter, were bolstered by aerial reconnaissance, air interdiction missions, and close air support, which targeted insurgent strongholds in remote and border regions.
“Troops neutralized several terrorist leaders and scores of fighters, arrested 274 suspects, rescued 168 kidnapped victims, and facilitated the surrender of 90 insurgents and their families.
“In a significant development bearing testament to the operational pressure exerted on the terrorist group, the ISWAP has confirmed the death of senior leader and Shura Council member Abu Yahya Al-Muhajir, describing it as a major loss to the group.
“This confirmation underscores the sustained effectiveness of AFN kinetic operations in degrading ISWAP’s command and leadership structure,” he said.
Onoja disclosed that in the month of March 2026, troops neutralised scores of terrorists, arrested over 20 suspects, and rescued 24 kidnapped victims.
Speaking on troops of Operation FANSAN YAMMA in the North-east, he said they “sustained operational tempo across Kaduna, Katsina, Kebbi, Sokoto, and Zamfara States through seamless integration of ground manoeuvres, air interdiction, real-time intelligence, and community collaboration.”
He said in the first quarter, troops neutralised scores of terrorists, arrested 114 suspects, and rescued 386 kidnapped victims.
“The Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN) reaffirms its commitment to operating in strict accordance with its rules of engagement, international humanitarian law, the Geneva Conventions, and all applicable legal frameworks.
“Ongoing operations will be further intensified to decisively dismantle all remaining criminal and terrorist elements.
“The AFN continues to monitor the activities of non-state actors and will hold them accountable,” he said.
