Military plans tackle herdsmen attacks
The Nigerian military has been working to tackle the attacks by herdsmen in the country. Here are some of the plans and strategies they have been using:
- Operation Whirl Stroke: This is a military operation launched in 2018 to tackle the herdsmen attacks in Benue, Taraba, and Nasarawa states. The operation involves a combination of ground and air troops, as well as intelligence gathering and community engagement.
- Deployment of troops: The military has deployed troops to areas affected by the herdsmen attacks, including Benue, Taraba, Nasarawa, and Plateau states. The troops are tasked with providing security and protecting civilians.
- Intelligence gathering: The military has been gathering intelligence on the herdsmen and their activities, including their hideouts, movements, and communication networks. This information is used to plan operations and disrupt the herdsmen's activities.
- Community engagement: The military has been engaging with local communities affected by the herdsmen attacks, including farmers and herders. This involves providing security, conducting joint patrols, and promoting dialogue and reconciliation.
- Establishment of military bases: The military has established bases in areas affected by the herdsmen attacks, including Benue and Taraba states. These bases serve as hubs for military operations and provide a secure location for troops to operate from.
- Use of air power: The military has been using air power to target herdsmen hideouts and disrupt their activities. This includes airstrikes and helicopter gunships.
- Collaboration with other security agencies: The military has been working closely with other security agencies, including the police, Department of State Services (DSS), and Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), to tackle the herdsmen attacks.
- Training and capacity building: The military has been providing training and capacity building for troops deployed to tackle the herdsmen attacks. This includes training on counter-insurgency operations, intelligence gathering, and community engagement.
- Use of technology: The military has been using technology, including drones and surveillance systems, to monitor the activities of herdsmen and gather intelligence.
- Dialogue and reconciliation: The military has been promoting dialogue and reconciliation between farmers and herdsmen, as well as between different ethnic groups. This involves facilitating meetings and negotiations between the parties, and providing support for conflict resolution initiatives.
Some of the specific military operations that have been conducted to tackle the herdsmen attacks include:
- Operation Catwalk: This was a military operation launched in 2017 to tackle the herdsmen attacks in Benue state.
- Operation Zenda: This was a military operation launched in 2018 to tackle the herdsmen attacks in Taraba state.
- Operation Whirl Stroke II: This was a military operation launched in 2019 to tackle the herdsmen attacks in Benue, Taraba, and Nasarawa states.
Overall, the Nigerian military has been using a combination of military force, intelligence gathering, community engagement, and dialogue to tackle the herdsmen attacks and restore peace to affected areas.