Jos-Commander of the Military Special Task Force, STF, maintaining the peace in Plateau, Brig.-Gen. Hassan Umaru, has said the force is now better positioned to tackle the persistent Jos crisis.

Umaru made this known in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria, NAN, on Tuesday in Jos.

He said, “the STF is now better positioned to end the crisis; the calm witnessed in the last few months was largely as a result of the measures we have put in place.

“Our officers and men have been operating professionally with strict adherence to the directives of the service chiefs, particularly, the chiefs of army and defence staff.”

The commander said STF had blocked the exit routes used by aggressors after their attacks on innocent people, thus making it difficult for them to operate.

“We are blocking the Mangu-Gindiri-Riyom axis, which used to be the attackers’ exit routes; we have deployed more operational vehicles to the sector covering the areas,” he said.

Umaru explained that STF had logistic challenges in the early stages of its operation.
He, however, said the challenges had been addressed and that with the improved security situation in place, particularly in Jos metropolis, check-points had been dismantled.

The commander, who said “constant patrols” had been stepped up, commended the defence and army headquarters for measures taken to solve the logistic problems.

He said, “the defence and army headquarters now listen to our cries whenever we need their help.”

Umaru said the STF had received 100 operational vehicles from the army and defence headquarters in the last few months to add to the 40 the force already had.

The commander also said  more troops, tents, uniforms and other logistic supplies had been provided.

According to him, the reinforcement has enhanced the operation of the force and enthroned a peaceful atmosphere in the state since March.