Stop seeing your duty as mere peacekeeping, Mutfwang urges military

Plateau State Governor Caleb Mutfwang has called on the Nigerian Army to reframe their perspective on internal security operations, urging them to treat the wave of killings and instability across the country as threats to Nigeria's sovereignty. Speaking at the Government House in Jos, Mutfwang emphasized that these challenges should not be viewed as mere peacekeeping assignments.

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My perspective on the security challenges in Nigeria is that our armed forces must see their duty not as a peacekeeping force but as protecting the sovereignty of Nigeria against enemies of the state. If we don’t look at it that way, we will be making a grave mistake. What we are confronting today is an existential threat to the sovereignty of Nigeria.

While receiving the outgoing General Officer Commanding 3 Division and Commander of Operation Safe Haven, Major General Folusho Oyinlola, and his successor, Major General Williams Dangana, the governor stressed the need for a more decisive military response. He asserted that the security challenges in Plateau, the North-East, North-West, and North-Central regions are indicative of individuals aiming to destabilize the nation.

"My perspective on the security challenges in Nigeria is that our armed forces must see their duty not as a peacekeeping force but as protecting the sovereignty of Nigeria against enemies of the state," Mutfwang stated. "If we don’t look at it that way, we will be making a grave mistake. What we are confronting today is an existential threat to the sovereignty of Nigeria."

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There were difficult moments, but we also recorded significant successes, both kinetic and non-kinetic. If not for your leadership and commitment, those who sought to destabilise Plateau would have achieved their aim.

Mutfwang acknowledged Oyinlola's leadership during his 18-month tenure, noting that Plateau experienced both kinetic and non-kinetic security gains despite persistent challenges. He credited the military's efforts, partly, for the state's continued ability to attract investors and visitors. The governor assured the incoming GOC of his administration's support and encouraged him to build upon his predecessor's achievements while fostering strong civil-military relations.

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I can assure you that 95 per cent of my 18 months were concerned with issues in Plateau State. It was almost as if I was not the GOC for the other states.