Did Troops Provide Cover for Gunmen During Jos Killings on Palm Sunday? Army Reacts
- The Nigerian Army has reacted to a viral claim made by one of the youth leaders following the deadly attack on Angwan Rukuba Community in Jos, Plateau State
- The Headquarters Joint Task Force Operation Enduring Peace said the troops did not provide cover for the perpetrators of the Palm Sunday unprovoked attack, as the youth leader alleged
- The Media Information Officer, Captain Chinonso Polycarp Oteh, shared more details about the tragic and deadly terrorist attack
Legit.ng journalist Adekunle Dada has over 8 years of experience covering metro, government policy, and international issues
Jos, Plateau State - The Nigerian Army has debuked claim made by a youth leader that troops provided cover for the perpetrators of the Palm Sunday unprovoked attack at Angwan Rukuba Community in Jos, Plateau State.
The Headquarters Joint Task Force Operation Enduring Peace said the Troops acted professionally to avert what could have spiraled to endless bloodshed.
Source: Getty Images
The Media Information Officer, Captain Chinonso Polycarp Oteh, said the troops, on receiving a distress call, swiftly mobilised to the scene and observed that the attackers had fled.
Oteh said the troops pursued the bandits, as attested to by so many survivors who were at the scene of the attack.
This was contained in a statement issued on Tuesday, March 31, 2026, via the @HQNigerianArmy.
He said the claim by a youth leader of the Angwan Rukuba Community, circulating on various social media, is false and misleading.
“It is expedient to state unequivocally that at no point did troops provide any form of cover for the terrorists’ elements who carried out the unfortunate attack that claimed the lives of innocent citizens. Rather, troops on receiving a distress call on the unfortunate incident swiftly mobilised to the scene, which was far away from where they were deployed, and observed that the attackers had fled. Troops acted professionally to avert what could have spiraled to endless bloodshed and pursued the fleeing criminals as can be attested to by so many survivors who were at the scene of the attack.”
He further stated that the troops dispatched 4 guntrucks to the incident scene, and they acted professionally on arrival.
Oteh said the Nigerian Army investigated the allegation promptly and confirmed it to be false.
“The comment by the youth leader is false, misleading, and unfortunate, capable of demoralizing troops and causing disaffection between the Military and its host community.”
Tinubu takes action over Jos, Kaduna killings.
Recall that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu strongly condemned the deadly attacks by gunmen in Angwan Rukuba district, Jos, Plateau State, and the attacks in Kahir village in Kaduna State.
The President assured Nigerians that the barbaric acts in Plateau and Kaduna States will not go unpunished.
Tinubu reaffirmed that security agencies are actively addressing the situation to protect the lives and properties of Nigerians.
Bandits storm wedding, kill 13, abduct guests
Meanwhile, Legit.ng earlier reported that suspected bandits attacked a wedding ceremony in Kahir, Kaduna state, leaving 13 dead and abducting multiple guests.
According to sources, an armed gang carried AK-47s, raided shops, and terrorised the community for nearly an hour.
Police confirmed abductions, while officials visited victims, promising a full report after details are verified.
Source: Legit.ng
