By Chijioke Kingsley
Abuja (Sundiata Post) – The Special Military Task Force, code named Operation Safe Haven (OPSH), in Plateau State has dismissed the video making the rounds that Soldiers and Police personnel had a face-off in Mangu local government area of the State, describing it as fake video.
The circulated visual also suggested that the Military mobilized and attacked a Police post during the misunderstanding.
However in a debunked rejoinder by the Spokesman of the OPSH, Capt. James Oya, the Military said during a patrol to ensure enforcement of the imposed curfew by the Governor of the State, two men were seen in front of a hotel with a lady and when they were approached, they said they were Police officers but could not show any form of identification as well as could not give any justifiable reason for being outside during the curfew hours.
“They were not in uniform and when troops asked them to comply with the curfew a minor scuffle ensued which was quickly settled by the DPO and Sector Commander of Mangu”, Oya said.
He continued: “The men in civil dress later identified as police personnel mobilizing their colleagues who subsequently fired teargas canisters at the troops.
“However, the swift intervention of the Commander of the troops on the ground and the Divisional Police Officer Mangu, led to the amicable resolution of the situation within a few minutes.
“Therefore, we would like to make it abundantly clear that the viral video which was made long after troops left the scene suggesting that troops invaded a Police Station in Mangu and released days after the incident is the work of individuals seeking to incite discord between the military and the Nigeria Police Force in Plateau with the aim of disrupting the harmonious relationship that exists while promoting their own agenda.
“These attempts will not in any way affect the existing bond between our troops and other security agencies in their joint efforts to restore peace in Mangu. We urge the public to disregard such malicious and false narratives and continue to support the joint and combined efforts of our troops and other security agencies in maintaining peace and security in the entire State.
