Nigerian Bar Association: Plateau Security Gaps Undermine Right to Life

• The Nigerian Bar Association criticized the government's handling of insecurity in Plateau State, citing persistent attacks that undermine public confidence.
• The NBA highlighted specific incidents in Mangu, Barkin Ladi, Riyom, and Bokkos, pointing to significant security gaps despite existing measures.
• The association based its criticism on Section 33 of the 1999 Constitution, which guarantees the right to life, emphasizing the government's fundamental responsibility to protect citizens.
• The NBA demanded accountability for security personnel who fail to respond promptly to attacks and called for regular redeployment to prevent vulnerabilities.
• This criticism comes as the Nigerian Army deployed 178 additional troops to Mangu Local Government Area, reinforcing an earlier relocation of Operation Enduring Peace's tactical headquarters.

The Nigerian Bar Association explicitly anchored its position on Section 33 of the 1999 Constitution, which unequivocally guarantees the fundamental right to life for all citizens.

The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has voiced strong criticism regarding the government's handling of persistent insecurity in Plateau State, arguing that ongoing attacks are eroding public trust in the state's capacity to safeguard lives and property. This condemnation from the NBA's four branches in the state — Jos, Pankshin, Bukuru, and Shendam — came during a joint press conference held at the NUJ Secretariat in Jos on Monday.

Their remarks coincide with the Nigerian Army's recent deployment of 178 additional personnel to reinforce security operations within the Mangu Local Government Area, a region experiencing renewed violence. The lawyers highlighted that despite existing security measures, including curfews in some affected areas, attacks have continued unabated.

They cited the tragic killing of community vigilantes at their duty post in Kikyo, Mangu Local Government Area, which occurred during curfew hours. Further incidents mentioned include reported assaults in the Cantoma and Bin-Per communities within Mangu, as well as in Kasa village, located in the Marit District of Barkin Ladi. These incidents, alongside others in Riyom and Bokkos, underscore what the NBA describes as significant **security gaps** in Plateau State's response mechanisms. The association unequivocally stated that this "unabated cycle of violence unleashed on law-abiding citizens denigrates social contracts and undermines public confidence in the state," emphasizing the severe impact on the populace.

The **Nigerian Bar Association Plateau security gaps** criticism is firmly rooted in constitutional principles. The NBA explicitly anchored its position on Section 33 of the 1999 Constitution, which unequivocally guarantees the fundamental right to life for all citizens. The association stressed that the protection of citizens and their property remains a core, non-negotiable responsibility of any government.

The persistent violence has led to a troubling situation where citizens are increasingly questioning the state's ability to fulfill this primary duty, according to the NBA. This sentiment forms a crucial part of the **NBA Mangu security criticism**. Beyond general criticism, the NBA issued specific demands for accountability within the security apparatus.

They called for thorough investigations into instances where security personnel allegedly failed to respond promptly to attacks, often arriving only after perpetrators had fled. The association insisted that any officers found culpable in such dereliction of duty should face appropriate sanctions. Furthermore, the lawyers advocated for the regular redeployment of security personnel who have served in particular communities for extended periods. Their rationale is that prolonged familiarity with a specific area could inadvertently create vulnerabilities, potentially compromising operational effectiveness and impartiality.

The recent deployment of 178 troops, reported by security analyst Zagazola Makama, involved personnel from the 236 Tank Battalion. These forces were assigned to Sector 8 of Operation Enduring Peace (OPEP) on a Friday, with the deployment occurring around 4:40 p.m. The contingent was divided into two groups of 89 personnel each and was led by the Commanding Officer of the 236 Tank Battalion, Lt. Col. H.O. Obire. Upon arrival, the troops were received by the commander of Sector 8 OPEP and began familiarizing themselves with their area of responsibility and operational mandate. This **Nigerian Army Mangu troop deployment** is intended to bolster existing security efforts.

This latest reinforcement builds upon an earlier increase in military presence in Mangu. In August, the tactical headquarters of Operation Enduring Peace was relocated from Jos directly to the Mangu Local Government Area. This strategic move aimed to position the military's command structure closer to the communities most affected by insecurity, thereby enhancing its responsiveness to emerging threats. The newly deployed personnel are expected to strengthen operations within Sector 8's area and increase military presence in vulnerable locations, working in conjunction with other security and emergency-response agencies. However, the specific communities where these additional troops will be stationed have not been publicly disclosed by the Army.

Looking beyond immediate military responses, the NBA has urged for comprehensive reforms to Nigeria's overall **security architecture**. The association specifically called upon the federal government to sponsor an executive bill aimed at initiating these crucial changes, highlighting the need for a systemic overhaul to address the persistent **Plateau State insecurity Nigeria**.

This article highlights the Nigerian Bar Association's firm stance on government accountability for the constitutional right to life (Section 33) amidst insecurity. Lawyers and compliance officers should note the NBA's call for security sector reform and accountability, which may inform public interest litigation, advocacy efforts, or advice to clients on human rights and government obligations in conflict-affected areas.

Source: Reporting based on original dispatches.