Military denies allegations of complicity in Jos North terror attack, says troops responded promptly and acted professionally to protect civilians.
The Nigerian military has dismissed allegations of complicity in the terrorist attack on Rukuba Community in Jos North Local Government Area of Plateau State, describing the claims as false and misleading.
The accusations, attributed to a local youth leader and circulated on social media, alleged that troops provided cover for the perpetrators of the Palm Sunday attack. However, the Operation Enduring Peace said the claims were unfounded and did not reflect the actual sequence of events.
In a statement, the Joint Task Force (JTF) said it was compelled to respond despite the prevailing atmosphere of grief, in order to set the record straight and reassure the public.
The JTF Media Information Officer, Chinonso Oteh, explained that troops responded swiftly after receiving a distress call, mobilising to the scene even though the location was some distance from their base.
He noted that by the time troops arrived, the attackers had fled, but personnel acted professionally to prevent further escalation and immediately pursued the assailants.
According to him, four gun trucks were deployed during the response, with operations conducted in line with established military standards, as corroborated by eyewitness accounts and other security agencies.
The military added that a thorough investigation into the allegations found them to be baseless.
It warned that such claims could undermine troop morale and strain relations between security forces and host communities, urging the public to disregard the narrative and rely on verified information.
The JTF also assured that efforts are ongoing, in collaboration with other security agencies, to identify and apprehend those responsible for the attack.
It reaffirmed its commitment to safeguarding lives and maintaining peace across Plateau State.