Plateau State, particularly Jos, has recently faced severe security challenges marked by renewed violence, including a deadly attack in Angwan Rukuba, Jos North Local Government Area. These escalating disturbances have prompted urgent, coordinated responses from various government levels and security agencies, demonstrating a shared commitment to restoring peace and order in the affected communities.

In a direct response to the crisis, the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, on Thursday, April 2, 2026, led heads of security agencies to Plateau State for an on-the-spot assessment. Received by Governor Caleb Mutfwang, the visit underscored robust civil-military relations. COAS Shaibu received a comprehensive operational briefing from Major General Folusho Oyinlola, the General Officer Commanding 3 Division and Commander of Joint Task Force Operation ENDURING PEACE. The briefing detailed ongoing operations, proactive measures, joint efforts, and intelligence-driven strategies implemented by military and security agencies to contain threats, protect lives, and stabilize affected areas. The COAS commended the resilience, professionalism, and sacrifices of troops and security personnel, emphasizing the critical need for enhanced synergy among agencies to tackle complex security challenges.

As part of his engagement, Lieutenant General Shaibu interacted with community leaders and residents, reassuring them of the Nigerian Army’s unwavering commitment to safeguarding all law-abiding citizens and restoring normalcy. He urged residents to remain calm, vigilant, and cooperative with security agencies through credible information sharing. Furthermore, he appealed for compliance with the imposed curfew in affected areas, stressing its necessity for restoring order and public safety. This timely visit and proactive engagement were lauded by local officials, including Dachung Bagos, Chairman of Jos North Local Government Area, and Councillor Ladi Dangyok of Naraguta ‘B’ Ward, who noted that the presence of top military leadership would boost public confidence and reinforce trust in ongoing security efforts.

Plateau State Governor Caleb Mutfwang confirmed that the security situation in Jos has largely been brought under control following days of violence. He described the Sunday night attack in Angwan Rukuba as “barbaric” and “an act of terrorism.” Governor Mutfwang implemented a curfew to contain the violence, which was later partially relaxed but challenged by attempts at disruption by looters. He briefed President Bola Tinubu on the situation, emphasizing that the incident was viewed as criminality rather than a religious conflict. Despite official assurances, some residents have continued to express concerns over recurring violence and perceived delays in security response.

In a significant demonstration of federal concern, President Bola Tinubu postponed a planned trip to Ogun State to visit Jos and commiserate with victims of the attacks. Following a meeting with Governor Mutfwang, the President was briefed firsthand on the situation and proposed steps to address the crisis, some of which had already received federal approval. The presidency indicated that President Tinubu was personally affected by the incident and intended to visit to show solidarity with the people of Plateau State, reflecting a broader four-state itinerary of engagements.

The University of Jos has taken decisive action for student safety, ordering the immediate phased evacuation of students from its hostels. This directive, issued on Wednesday by Deputy Registrar Emmanuel Madugu, followed a review of the prevailing security situation and heightened tensions. Students residing within Jos and its environs were to evacuate on Wednesday, while others were scheduled for Thursday, with the Plateau State Government supporting the evacuation by approving vehicle use beyond curfew hours to facilitate the process. Security arrangements were strengthened to protect university facilities during this period.

The Plateau State Police Command has made significant progress in its investigations, announcing the arrest of seven suspects in connection with the Palm Sunday attack in Gari Yawaye community, Angwan Rukuba, Jos North LGA, which began on Sunday, March 29th, and resulted in over 30 fatalities. Among those apprehended were Yakubu Abdullahi, a fake soldier caught in military camouflage with a forged identity card, and Matthew Musa, 27, found with two locally made firearms. These arrests followed intensive security operations and investigations launched after the renewed violence.

Commissioner of Police Bassey Ewah has ordered the immediate deployment of additional personnel to volatile areas across Jos and adjoining communities to restore calm and prevent further bloodshed. The command issued a strong warning to criminal elements, declaring zero tolerance for violence and lawlessness, asserting that anyone found culpable would face the full wrath of the law.

The Supreme Council for Sharia in Nigeria condemned the recent killings, urging urgent and decisive action from authorities beyond mere rhetoric. The council stressed the sanctity of human life in Islamic teachings and raised concerns about the potential involvement of “well-funded and highly coordinated interest groups,” including foreign elements, exploiting Nigeria’s socio-religious divisions for geopolitical interests. They called for a thorough and credible investigation to identify and act against both external sponsors and local collaborators, appealing to religious leaders to promote peace and restraint among their followers and urging Nigerians to remain united, law-abiding, and vigilant.