Maj.-Gen. Abdusalam Abubakar, the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 3 Division of the Nigerian Army, Rukuba, near Jos, has charged troops to be professional in handling protesters in Jos and environs.
Abubakar, who doubles as Commander, Operation Safe Haven (OPSH) maintaining peace in Plateau and environs, gave the charge on Thursday when he visited some locations where troops were deployed.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the troops of OPSH and 3 division were deployed to strategic locations to ensure the ongoing protests in the state does not become violent.
The GOC, who particularly charged the troops to operate within the ambit of the law, told them to safeguard the protesters.
He warned that anyone caught violating the rights of law abiding citizens would be severely sanctioned.
”You must be professional in protecting the rights of the protesters; you must also ensure that all national assets are safe.
”Your role is to ensure the protest is peaceful. I wont spare any of you caught violating the rights of law abiding citizens”he said.
NAN also reports that the GOC visited some of the locations, such as the Ahmadu bello way, Secretariat junction, Old airport jucntion, among others, were the protesters had gathered chanting solidarity songs.
So far, the protests are peaceful in Plateau, as no incident of violence has been reported.