Plateau State Governor, Caleb Mutfwang
Plateau State Governor, Caleb Mutfwang on Friday ruled out negotiations with criminal elements terrorising communities in the state, saying recent arrests have yielded critical intelligence capable of exposing criminal networks behind attacks across Plateau.
Mutfwang made the declaration at a Democracy Day Town Hall Meeting organised by Verified Conversations in collaboration with Inside Plateau in Jos.
Speaking on security challenges confronting the state, the governor said his administration inherited a difficult security situation upon assuming office in May 2023 but had continued to strengthen collaboration with security agencies and community stakeholders to restore peace.
According to him, recent security operations have led to significant arrests, with investigators already obtaining useful information from suspects.
“I can tell you that in recent days, some very significant arrests have been made. Those arrests are already yielding important information about the operations and networks of criminal elements within our society.
“For us on the Plateau, negotiating with criminals is not an option. It is not an option,” he said.
The governor explained that one of the first actions of his administration was to convene a State Security Council meeting and engage security chiefs at both state and federal levels to draw attention to the security situation in Plateau.
He said the state government subsequently reviewed the operations of Operation Rainbow and trained over 2,000 youths who were deployed across communities to support intelligence gathering and surveillance.
Mutfwang further disclosed that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu had approved the recruitment of 1,000 forest guards to strengthen security across the state, adding that the process was nearing completion.
He also revealed that Plateau had attracted additional security formations, including two mobile police squadrons in Bassa and Barkin Ladi local government areas as well as a recently approved Special Forces base in Wase.
“Just about a month ago, we secured approval for the deployment of a Special Forces base in Wase. As I speak to you, personnel have already been deployed there.
“We will continue to increase boots on the ground while also fine-tuning our investment in technology,” he added.
The governor commended security agencies for their sacrifices in protecting lives and property, noting that many successful interventions often go unnoticed because public attention is usually focused on incidents that could not be prevented.
He also praised President Tinubu for what he described as a firm stance against insecurity.
“In recent months, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has been unequivocal in his position that enough is enough. The time has come to confront these security challenges decisively,” he said.
Earlier, Convener of the town hall meeting, Samson Omale, said the forum was designed to promote citizen engagement, accountability and dialogue on governance beyond election cycles.
The event, held at Crispan Hotel, Jos, was themed: “Plateau State: Beyond Elections.”
