Army Relocates Tactical HQ to Mangu, Launches Operation Hard Nut After 25 Killed in Bi Mper Attack

The Nigerian Army has significantly ramped up security operations in Plateau State, establishing a temporary tactical headquarters in Mangu to directly oversee a new offensive against escalating violence. This decisive action follows a brutal assault on the Bi Mper community in Mangu Local Government Area, which claimed the lives of 25 people.

Major General Maxwell Dangana, the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 3 Division and Commander of Operation ENDURING PEACE, has relocated his command center to Mangu for two weeks. From this temporary base, he will directly supervise Operation Hard Nut, a new military push aimed at eradicating the terrorists and criminal elements responsible for the persistent attacks plaguing the area. General Dangana assured residents of the army's unwavering commitment to restoring peace and stability.

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My tactical headquarters is here. I’m going to be here to have a close view of what is happening and be able to have an on‑the‑spot assessment, and anyone that comes to disturb the peace here will be removed.

"My tactical headquarters is here. I’m going to be here to have a close view of what is happening and be able to have an on‑the‑spot assessment, and anyone that comes to disturb the peace here will be removed," General Dangana stated, emphasizing his direct involvement. He confirmed that the Chief of Army Staff has approved the deployment of additional troops, advanced equipment, and crucial operational enablers to bolster the mission's effectiveness. Soldiers have been equipped with the necessary resources to confront attackers and safeguard communities throughout Mangu.

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Anybody that fires at you, fire at him.

General Dangana issued stern directives to his troops, urging decisive action against armed threats: "Anybody that fires at you, fire at him." Operation Hard Nut will concentrate on clearing terrorist hideouts, reinforcing security across vulnerable communities, and rebuilding public confidence. The GOC's round-the-clock supervision from Mangu is intended to provide a constant presence and deter further violence. Meanwhile, the Plateau State Police Command announced the arrest of one suspect believed to be the mastermind behind the Bi Mper attack, with ongoing investigations to apprehend other perpetrators.

Comrade Jerry Datin, CEO of the Beacon for Human Rights Development Initiative and a Mangu indigene, condemned the attack and expressed concern over the tense aftermath. He advocated for sincere, grassroots dialogue between the Berom and Fulani communities, stressing the critical need for political will to end the cycle of violence. Datin proposed a peace model that prioritizes direct engagement with local actors over reliance on intermediaries.

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Efforts are ongoing to apprehend other suspects and bring all those responsible to justice.