Plateau Massacre: Suspects Responsible Have Been Arrested – Defense Chief Reveals, Vows More Action

The Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Christopher Musa has provided an update on the Christmas Eve massacre that resulted in the loss of over 200 lives in two local government areas of Plateau State.

Gen. Musa confirmed the Nigerian military’s significant progress in capturing suspects linked to the attacks. During a televised interview on Channels TV on Monday, Gen. Musa assured the public that efforts were underway to track down all individuals involved in the heinous act. He stated, “We are up on their heels and making some arrests.”

The Chief of Defence Staff revealed that the military is collaborating with state governments to identify areas captured by terrorists across the country to reclaim them. He expressed determination to ensure that bandits hold no community in the new year, saying, “We are working with the state governments to identify these areas; this year, God willing, we will make sure bandits hold no community.”

Musa emphasized the potential reduction of internally displaced camps once communities are recovered, allowing residents to return safely to their homes.

Addressing concerns about the military’s response time, Gen. Musa acknowledged the vastness of the affected area and clarified, “We cannot be everywhere.” He mentioned ongoing efforts to enhance reaction times and prevent future incidents.

Identifying a lack of political will at all levels of government as a significant hurdle in resolving the prevailing insecurity in the country, Gen. Musa stressed that political decisions were crucial to overcoming challenges. He emphasized that the military’s effectiveness depended on strong support and directives from the political class, stating, “The military can only do so much; it is a political decision, not a military decision on what is to be done.”