The federal government has said the recent attack in Angwan Rukuba area of Jos North LGA in Plateau state took place within a conflict-prone community and does not indicate a failure of national security.
At least 28 residents lost their lives during the attack on Sunday.
Speaking at a press briefing on Tuesday at the Radio House in Abuja, Mohammed Idris, minister of information and national orientation, stated that security forces are actively pursuing those responsible.
He conveyed the federal government’s sympathy to the victims, their families, and the people of Plateau state.
“On behalf of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the Federal Government of Nigeria, I extend our heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims and to the Government and people of Plateau State,” he said.
Idris noted that security personnel acted swiftly after receiving distress alerts from the affected area.
“Troops under Operation Enduring Peace were rapidly mobilised to the scene following distress calls,” he said.
“The military and other security agencies cordoned off the affected area, secured key access routes, and launched targeted search-and-clearance operations to track down the perpetrators.
“These swift actions ensured that the situation was quickly contained and prevented further escalation.”
He explained that the response forms part of wider security efforts across Plateau and the north-central region.
“The Nigerian Armed Forces have continued to carry out clearance operations and intelligence-led missions across vulnerable communities following attacks recorded in recent months,” Idris said.
“Reinforced surveillance and troop deployments have also been implemented in high-risk areas, supported by joint military-police patrols and strengthened rapid response mechanisms.”
The minister reaffirmed the government’s commitment to safeguarding lives and property through sustained operations nationwide. He added that President Bola Tinubu has already held a high-level meeting with security and intelligence chiefs to assess the situation.
“A few hours ago, His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, held a high-level meeting with the nation’s top security and intelligence chiefs to review the situation and take further decisive steps towards arriving at a lasting solution,” he said.
Idris disclosed that Plateau governor Caleb Mutfwang has been invited for further consultations aimed at restoring peace.
“Following this meeting, the Executive Governor of Plateau State, Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang, has been invited by President Tinubu to further deliberate and chart a coordinated path towards lasting peace and security,” he said.
“The outcome of the meeting between President Tinubu and Governor Mutfwang will be made public in due course.
“A 48-hour curfew was imposed in Jos North immediately after the incident to stabilise the security environment and support ongoing operations.”
He stressed that the incident should not be interpreted as a nationwide security breakdown.
“What occurred does not represent a breakdown of national security, but rather a criminal act within a known conflict-prone area — one that is being actively and decisively addressed by the authorities,” he added.
Idris further stated that security agencies have been instructed to arrest and prosecute those behind the attack.
“The Federal Government has directed all security agencies to ensure that those responsible for this heinous act are identified, apprehended, and brought to justice,” he said.
“There will be no safe haven for criminal elements anywhere in Nigeria.”
He also urged citizens to remain calm and avoid spreading unverified information that could heighten tensions.
“Nigeria’s unity remains strong, and we must not allow criminal elements to divide our communities,” Idris added.
“Nigeria will not yield to fear. We will protect our people, and we will prevail.”