Plateau Crisis: ‘No Safe Haven for Terrorists in Nigeria’, FG Declares

Plateau Crisis: ‘No Safe Haven for Terrorists in Nigeria’, FG Declares

JOEL OLADELE, Abuja 

The Federal Government has vowed to clamp down on criminal elements behind the recent violence in Plateau State, declaring that there will be no hiding place for perpetrators of attacks across the country.

The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, stated this on Tuesday in Abuja while addressing journalists on the security situation following the attack in Angwan Rukuba, Jos North Local Government Area.

He said the government remained resolute in protecting lives and property, stressing that Nigeria would not bow to acts of violence.

“Nigeria will not yield to criminal elements. We will protect our people, and we will prevail,” the minister said, urging citizens not to allow violence to divide communities.

Idris expressed sympathy with victims of the attack and their families, assuring that security agencies responded promptly. He noted that troops under Operation Enduring Peace were deployed immediately after distress calls, securing the area and launching operations to track down those responsible.

According to him, the swift intervention helped contain the situation and prevented further escalation.

He explained that the response forms part of broader efforts to reinforce security across Plateau and the North-Central region, including sustained military offensives, intelligence-led operations, and joint patrols involving the police and armed forces.

The minister also disclosed that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu had met with top security and intelligence chiefs to review the situation and take further steps to address the crisis.

He added that Governor Caleb Mutfwang had been invited to Abuja for consultations aimed at strengthening coordination between federal and state authorities.

Meanwhile, the Plateau State Government has imposed a 48-hour curfew in parts of Jos North to stabilise the area and support ongoing security operations.

Idris said both levels of government were working closely to prevent reprisals, restore calm, and ensure thorough investigations into the incident.

While describing the attack as regrettable, he maintained that it does not amount to a collapse of national security but rather a criminal act that is being decisively addressed.

“There will be no safe haven for criminal elements anywhere in Nigeria,” he said.

The minister urged Nigerians to remain calm, law-abiding, and supportive of security agencies, warning against the spread of unverified information that could heighten tensions.

He also confirmed ongoing security cooperation with the United States, noting that American personnel were already working with Nigerian intelligence agencies, yielding positive results.

The government, he added, would continue to strengthen intelligence gathering, operational readiness, and inter-agency collaboration to stay ahead of emerging threats and ensure lasting peace nationwide.