Military Denies Allegation of Cover-Up in Rukuba Attack, Describes Viral Claim as Misleading

By Zainab Uzomah| Abuja

The Headquarters Joint Task Force, Operation ENDURING PEACE, has dismissed as false and misleading a viral comment by a youth leader in Angwan Rukuba Community, alleging that troops provided cover for perpetrators of the recent Palm Sunday attack in Jos North Local Government Area of Plateau State.

This was contained in a statement signed by the Media Information Officer of the task force, Captain Chinonso Polycarp Oteh, on March 31, 2026.

The task force said although it would ordinarily not respond to such claims, especially during a period of grief, it was necessary to clarify the situation for the public and reassure Nigerians.

It stated that at no time did troops provide any form of support or cover for the attackers,stressing that personnel responded swiftly to a distress call but found that the assailants had already fled the scene.

According to the statement, troops mobilised from a distant location and acted professionally to prevent further escalation, pursuing the fleeing attackers—a response corroborated by survivors and other security agencies.

It added that four gun trucks were deployed to the scene, and the conduct of troops upon arrival was confirmed by eyewitnesses and security partners.

The task force further disclosed that the allegation had been investigated and found to be unfounded.

It warned that such claims were capable of demoralising troops and undermining the relationship between the military and host communities.

The military urged the public to disregard thecomment, remain law-abiding, and continue to support security agencies with credible information, assuring that efforts were ongoing to identify and apprehend those responsible for the attack.

The statement reaffirmed the commitment of troops, in collaboration with other security agencies, to maintain peace and decisively tackle criminal elements across Plateau State.