By. Ifeoma Onyekachi

Authorities in Plateau State have relaxed the curfew imposed on Jos North Local Government Area following recent deadly attacks, as the Federal Government simultaneously announced tougher military measures to combat insurgency in the North-East.

The Plateau State Government said the earlier 48-hour curfew imposed after violence in Angwan-Rukuba community had been eased to allow residents resume limited daily activities while security agencies continue operations to restore calm.

The Commissioner for Information and Communications, Mrs. Joyce Ramnap, announced the adjustment in a statement issued in Jos, stating that the relaxation took effect from April 1. According to her, residents are now permitted to move and carry out lawful activities between 7:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. daily until further notice.

The curfew was initially imposed after gunmen attacked Angwan-Rukuba on Sunday night, killing several residents and injuring others, in one of the latest incidents of violence in Plateau State, a region that has experienced recurring communal and ethnic clashes over the years.

Ramnap urged residents to remain calm, vigilant and law-abiding, noting that security agencies were still monitoring the situation to ensure sustained peace and order. She also thanked residents for their cooperation during the restriction period and reiterated the government’s commitment to protecting lives and property across the state.

Security analysts say curfews are often used in conflict-prone areas in Plateau to prevent reprisals and allow security forces carry out operations without civilian interference.

Defence Minister Orders Troops to Shoot Terrorists on Sight

Meanwhile, Nigeria’s Minister of Defence, Christopher Musa, has ordered troops fighting insurgency in the North-East to shoot terrorists on sight without waiting for further orders.

The minister gave the directive while addressing frontline troops in Maiduguri, Borno State, during a visit alongside the Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle.

The visit followed renewed attacks by insurgent groups, including Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province, in several communities across the North-East, particularly in Borno State.

Musa told the troops that their duty was to locate and eliminate terrorists wherever they operate, stressing that they should not wait for additional instructions before engaging enemy fighters.

He commended the soldiers for their sacrifices in the ongoing counter-insurgency operations and assured them that the Federal Government was taking steps to improve their operational capacity and welfare.

The defence minister also disclosed that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu had approved the procurement of new military aircraft, drones and other equipment to strengthen the fight against terrorism and banditry.

He further announced that salary increments for military personnel would be implemented within three months and that outstanding salary arrears would be paid.

New Security Strategies, Military Housing Commissioned

During the visit, the defence minister said the Nigerian military had adopted new operational strategies and was working with international partners to improve intelligence, surveillance and combat operations in the North-East.

He maintained that despite recent attacks, the armed forces were recording more successes than setbacks in the fight against insurgency and urged Nigerians to continue supporting the military.

The minister also inaugurated newly constructed housing units for military officers at Maimalari Barracks in Maiduguri before concluding the visit.

Security experts note that the conflict in the North-East, which began over a decade ago, has led to thousands of deaths and the displacement of millions of people, making it one of Nigeria’s longest-running security crises.