Plateau Police Command Launch ‘Operation Puff Adder’ to Combat Crimes

By Jide Afolabi, Jos

The Nigeria Police, Plateau State Command has launched a special operation code-named “Operation Puff Adder” to combat crimes in the state and other neighboring states at the State Command headquarters today, Friday.

The operation will specifically target crimes like kidnapping, armed robbery, cultism, banditry and Sara Suka among other crimes.

The Acting Inspector General of Police, Mohammed Abubakar Adamu, Mni had earlier launched the special operation and directed all state command’s to do same.

In a speech delivered by the Deputy Commisioner of Police, Department of Finance and Administration, DCP Bature A. Umar, who stood in for the Commissioner, said that the launching of the operation was total obedience to the directive of the Acting Inspector General of Police.

“You may recall that on the 5th of April, 2019, the Acting Inspector General of Police IGP Mohammed Abubakar Adamu, NPM, mni launched a special operation, code named Operation Puff Adder to tackle security challenges such as Kidnapping, Armed Robbery and Banditry among other crimes along Abuja Kaduna express way and other parts of the country. The IGP equally directed all Commissioners of Police in charge of State Commands to do the same in their respective States.

“In compliance with the IGPs directive, the Plateau State Police Command today inaugurates a special squad, code named Operation Puff Adder under direct supervision of the Commissioner of Police. The manpower of this operation is drawn from the conventional Police, Police Mobile Force (PMF), Counter Terrorist Unit (CTU), Special Protection Unit (SPU), Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS), State Intelligence Bureau (SIB) and State Criminal Investigation and Intelligence Department (SCIID)” he stated.

He added that the aim of the operation was to tackle crimes affecting Plateau State such as, “Kidnapping, Armed Robbery, Cultism, Banditry and Sara Suka among other crimes and to also prevent influx of criminal elements to the State considering the ongoing security operations in the neighboring states like; Bauchi, Kaduna, Nasarawa and Taraba”.

The Command appealed for support, cooperation, understanding and collaboration of other security and law enforcement agencies in the State as well as members of the public for the continuous success of the operation as it was designed to work hand in hand with all security agencies, critical stakeholders and members of the public to ensure that, the state is safe and secured.

Umar called on all members of the public to volunteer useful information to the Police about criminals and their hideouts.

I his remarks, Plateau state governor, Rt Hon Simon Bako Lalong who was represented at the launching by his deputy, Professor Soni Tyoden congratulated the Command and urged te offices and men to take the duty seriously and justify he confidence reposed in them.

” I congratulate the Acting Inspector General of Police on his appointment. Despite the pessimism that trailed his appointment on battling security challenges, his steps and operations has dismissed that. I want you to take this duty seriously. You must justify the confidence reposed on you.

“Stakeholders in the peace project on Plateau must also cooperate. Security is a responsibility and duty of everybody. Give this new outfit and other relevant security agencies necessary cooperation so that they can carry out their assignments effectively. There has been relative peace in the state in recent times. Let’s continue.”

He congratulated the Command and promised that Plateau state government would give every necessary cooperation and support to see to the success of the operation.

In his goodwill message, the representative of the General Offidr Commanding, GOC, 3 Division, the Garison Commander, Brihadier-General UI Muhammed said that the operation was timely.

“Considering the mirage of security challenges facing the state, the launch of Operation Puff Adder is timely” He called on all stakeholders to cooperate with them and promised that the Police have the full support of the 3 Division.

The Zonal Direfor, Nigeria Television Authority, NTA, Ibn Salihu warned all criminals in Plateau state. He added that Puff Adder is a slow moving creature but whenever it is threatened, it acts decisively. “It means criminals would not have way in the state.” He assured the Comamnd that media will support the operation by disseminating timely accurate and information.

Also speaking at the event, the Commander, Operation Safe Haven, OPSH, AAC Agundo said that the launching if the operation was timely adding that the OPSH and Police will use the privilege to deal decisively with criminal elements in the state.

He expressed concerns on some public commentators and social critics who were embodeningm the criminals through their comments and analysis to be careful.

“OPSH have worked assiduously to eliminate underlying factors leading to the crises.

“On behalf of heads of security agencies, I enjoin all to work for peace in the state. Whoever attempt to destroy any farm would be decisively dealt with. we must have bumper harvest this year. OPSH will support this operation with all force, resources and entire arms.”

He thanked the state governementt for the supports given to security agencies.

Present at the event were heads or representatives of all security agencies and special operations in the state. Also present were Vigilante Group of Nigeria, VGN, Neighbourhood Watch and the PCRC among others.