The Nigerian Army said it was not withdrawing troops deployed to Nigerian riot city of Jos to maintain peace, reported the News Agency of Nigeria on Saturday.
Ufuoma Macaulay, Commander, 3rd Armored Division Internal Security Task Force, told reporters in Jos on Friday that the troops were still on ground, adding that the army was working in collaboration with civil authority to restore law and order.
“The Commander-In-Chief’s order was to ensure law and order and we are still intact,” he said.
According to him, since peace was gradually returning to Jos, the situation would be reviewed so that the troops do not constitute nuisance to civilians.
Face-off of supporters of rival sides then developed into clashes throughout Jos. Mobs burned houses, looted shops and destroyed mosques and churches.
The riot was trigged by disputes on Jos North local government election held on Nov. 27 in 2008. The violence left thousands homeless.