The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Maj. Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, has urged parents in Mangu communities to warn their children who are fond of carrying illegal arms to desist so as not to constitute themselves into militia.

Lagbaja said that troops of Operation Safe Haven (OPSH) and those of the 3 Division Maxwell Khobe Cantonment, Jos, have been briefed to kill any such miscreants who handle guns illegally.

The COAS spoke yesterday in Mangu during the launch of Operation Hakorin Damisa IV where 14 armoured vehicles and 20 motor bikes were unveiled.

He said that anybody found to be going about with arms should be reported to the troops so that he/she would be dealt with militarily.

Lagbaja said he launched the special operation to counter the internecine sectarian strife in Mangu Local Council of Plateau State and its environs.

Speaking while addressing the troops at the Mangu mini stadium, the COAS urged them to do everything possible to stamp out the crises in the area and restore peace. He assured them that every resource they would need to succeed, both men and material, would be made available to them.

According to Lagbaja, they were not in Mangu to play chess, imploring them not to allow the killings in Mangu to resurge.

“You’re not here for a chess game, but for serious business. We will make sure that we address all the challenges you may encounter for you to make sure that the crises do not resurge,” he noted.

Addressing newsmen after the launch, the COAS said that the Army was not overwhelmed by the crises on the Plateau, but only responding to the needs of the time.

Lagbaja said that the army was also responding to three command philosophies, which are hinged on the military, government and the people.

“The army will only succeed with the cooperation of the people. If the people are not cooperating, the military will not succeed,” he stressed. He assured the people of the state that in no time normalcy would be restored not only in Mangu, but also in the whole area.

The COAS later held a stakeholders meeting with the people where he assured them that everything was being done to ensure the safety of their lives and property.