Governor Caleb Mutfwang of Plateau State has called on the Nigerian Army to adopt a stronger operational approach to the country's worsening security challenges, warning that the violence affecting several regions should be treated as a direct assault on Nigeria's sovereignty rather than a conventional peacekeeping mission.
The governor made the remarks on Thursday at the Government House in Jos while receiving the outgoing General Officer Commanding 3 Division of the Nigerian Army and Commander of Operation Safe Haven, Major General Folusho Oyinlola, alongside his successor, Major General Williams Dangana.
Mutfwang said the persistent insecurity across Plateau, the North-East, North-West and North-Central demanded a more determined military response, stressing that the country was confronting forces intent on destabilising the nation.
According to him, the military's constitutional responsibility extends beyond maintaining peace to defending the territorial integrity and sovereignty of Nigeria against enemies of the state.
"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. Whether it is in the North-East, North-West or North-Central, we are dealing with people who want to destabilise the country, and we cannot afford to allow that," the governor said.
Reflecting on the tenure of the outgoing commander, Mutfwang praised Major General Oyinlola for his leadership over the past 18 months, noting that Plateau recorded notable security improvements through both kinetic and non-kinetic operations despite continuing threats.
He said the military's efforts helped create an environment that enabled the state to continue attracting investors and visitors, adding that those seeking to plunge Plateau into deeper instability had been frustrated.
"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," he stated.
The governor also welcomed Major General Dangana, assuring him of his administration's full cooperation and encouraging him to consolidate on the achievements recorded by his predecessor while deepening collaboration between the military and civilian authorities.
Speaking during the visit, Major General Oyinlola disclosed that Plateau State dominated his operational responsibilities throughout his time in office.
"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," he said.
The outgoing commander expressed appreciation to the Plateau State Government for the support extended to security forces during his tenure, describing the cooperation as vital to the successes achieved. He also appealed to Governor Mutfwang and other stakeholders to give the same level of support to Major General Dangana as he assumes command.
ADEOLA KUNLE
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