By Faridat Salifu
A joint security operation led by the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has repelled repeated bandit attacks on Nteng village in Deomak District, Qua’ran-Pan Local Government Area of Plateau State.
The operation, which involved the Nigerian Army and the Police, was announced in a statement on Friday by NSCDC spokesperson Afolabi Babawale.
According to the statement, the intervention followed a directive from Commandant General Ahmed Audi, who ordered the immediate deployment of a Special Intelligence Squad to the troubled region.
Commandant Apollos Dandaura, head of the squad, said the team adopted an intelligence-driven approach to forestall further attacks against the community.
Communities in Qua’ran-Pan have been under repeated assaults from suspected bandits targeting farmers and destroying public infrastructure.
The attackers reportedly took advantage of the area’s difficult terrain, which is mountainous, swampy, and waterlogged, making rapid security response difficult.
Dandaura noted that the violence has led to loss of lives, destruction of crops, and damage to the Primary Health Care Hospital, homes, and other property.
More than 4,000 farmers have been displaced, with many now sheltering in a primary school converted into a refugee camp in Qua’ran-Pan.
The NSCDC said the success of the operation was due to strong collaboration among all security agencies involved.
A joint guard post has been established in Nteng village to maintain order and prevent a resurgence of attacks.
Dandaura commended the synergy between the agencies and assured residents of Doop, Keolakan, Jepmorop, and Gorom that their communities will be safeguarded.
As part of long-term security measures, the NSCDC said it has completed an on-the-ground assessment for the deployment of its Agro Rangers Squad.
The unit will focus on protecting farmers, guarding against destruction of crops and livestock, and promoting peaceful coexistence between farmers and herders.