ABUJA* – The Federal Government has assured residents of Jos, Plateau State, of maximum protection following a deadly attack in the Angwan Rukuba community that claimed several lives.

Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, gave the assurance during a media briefing on Tuesday.

Idris vowed that Nigeria would not bow to criminal elements, as the government rolls out plans to restore lasting peace to the state.

The minister’s comments came after gunmen suspected to be terrorists attacked the community, killing several residents.

Reiterating the federal government’s commitment, Idris declared: “Nigeria will not yield to criminal elements. We will protect our people, and we will prevail.”

He urged Nigerians not to allow criminal elements to divide communities, stressing that the nation’s unity remains strong and all citizens must work together to sustain peace and stability.

Idris expressed deep condolences to the families of the victims, the Plateau State Government, and the people of the state. He assured that security agencies responded swiftly to the incident.

According to the minister, troops under Operation Enduring Peace were immediately deployed, while the military and other security agencies secured the area and launched operations to track down the perpetrators.

“These swift actions ensured that the situation was quickly contained and prevented further escalation,” Idris said.

He explained that the federal government has sustained military and intelligence-led operations in vulnerable communities across Plateau State and the North-Central region, supported by increased surveillance, troop deployments, and joint patrols with the police.

Idris disclosed that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has already met with top security and intelligence chiefs to review the situation and take further decisive steps. He added that Plateau State Governor Caleb Mutfwang has been invited for further consultations to strengthen collaboration between the federal and state governments.

The minister commended the Plateau State Government for imposing a 48-hour curfew in Jos North to stabilise the situation and support ongoing security operations. He noted that federal and state authorities are working closely to prevent reprisal attacks, restore calm, and facilitate investigations.

While describing the attack as deeply regrettable, Idris stated that it does not represent a breakdown of national security but a criminal act in a conflict-prone area that is being actively addressed.

He assured that those responsible will be brought to justice, warning that “there will be no safe haven for criminal elements anywhere in Nigeria.”

The federal government says it remains committed to addressing security challenges in Plateau State through targeted operations and better coordination among security agencies.