Troops warn Plateau residents against cattle rustling, farmland destruction

The military Joint Task Force, Operation Enduring Peace, has warned residents in parts of Plateau State against engaging in cattle rustling and the destruction of farmlands as the farming season intensifies across the state.

The task force said individuals found instigating violence or disrupting peaceful coexistence in affected communities would face decisive action in accordance with the law.

The warning was directed at residents of five local government areas where tensions linked to farming and grazing activities have historically triggered communal clashes and security concerns.

According to military authorities, the caution forms part of ongoing efforts to maintain peace and prevent conflicts between farmers and herders during the cultivation season, a period often associated with disputes over land use, grazing routes, and crop destruction.

Operation Enduring Peace, the military formation responsible for security operations in Plateau State, said security personnel have been deployed to monitor vulnerable communities and respond swiftly to threats capable of escalating into violence.

The task force also urged community leaders, youth groups, farmers, and herders to cooperate with security agencies by providing timely information capable of preventing attacks or reprisals.

Plateau State has experienced recurring communal and resource-based conflicts over the years, with clashes often resulting in casualties, displacement, and destruction of property. Authorities have repeatedly called for dialogue, restraint, and adherence to lawful conflict-resolution mechanisms to reduce tensions.

The military reaffirmed its commitment to protecting lives and property while ensuring peaceful farming activities across the state.