……IGP visits state, assures residents of intensified intelligence gathering and arrests as Deputy Governor seeks activation of Gashish Mobile Police Barracks.
The recent killings in Plateau State have placed renewed focus on the ability of security agencies to protect vulnerable communities, as Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Rilwan Disu, visited the state on Wednesday and assured residents that the Nigeria Police Force would intensify operations to address the situation and bring perpetrators to justice.
Disu’s visit, which included a condolence visit to the Plateau State Government, came amid security concerns in Mangu and other parts of the state. The IGP said the Police were not satisfied with the situation and had already made some arrests, while assuring residents that the Force remained committed to restoring confidence and creating a secure environment through collaboration with the government, other security agencies and local communities.
Speaking during the visit, Disu said he was in Plateau to discuss the killings in Mangu and other affected areas, adding that the Police leadership had gone round and engaged stakeholders as part of efforts to understand the security challenges and find lasting solutions. He said the situation required sustained cooperation and a coordinated response rather than isolated security efforts.
“I am on the Plateau to discuss issues bothering on the killings in Mangu and other parts of the state. We are not happy with the situation and I can assure you we have made some arrests,” the IGP said.
He explained that the Police would continue working with stakeholders to strengthen security operations and restore public confidence.
According to him, the engagement with communities and relevant authorities was important to ensuring that security agencies were better positioned to identify threats, respond to incidents and prevent further attacks.
“Having gone round and engaged with stakeholders to have lasting solutions to the problem, I can assure you people have hope and confidence in the police and we will continue working together in synergy and collaboration for a secure environment,” Disu said.
The IGP further disclosed that the Nigeria Police Force was intensifying community engagement and intelligence gathering to identify threats early, protect vulnerable communities and bring perpetrators to justice. He stressed the importance of building trust between security personnel and residents, urging members of the public to provide credible and timely information that could assist security agencies in preventing attacks and apprehending criminals.
“Building trust between security personnel and communities is important, and I urge residents to provide credible and timely information to enable security agencies prevent attacks and apprehend criminals,” he said.
Receiving the IGP on behalf of Governor Caleb Mutfwang, Deputy Governor Ngo Josephine Chundung Piyo commended the Police leadership for responding to the security situation and visiting the state to assess developments firsthand. She said the visit demonstrated Disu’s commitment to protecting lives and property, adding that the state government placed a high premium on sustained collaboration with the Police and other security agencies in maintaining peace and security across the state.
Piyo also commended the IGP for deploying a new Commissioner of Police to Plateau State and strengthening the capacity of the state command to work with the government, sister security agencies, traditional institutions and communities. She said the state government had made considerable efforts to strengthen security, but noted that effective protection of residents required more than the deployment of personnel.
According to the Deputy Governor, robust intelligence gathering, community engagement and timely response to emerging threats were essential to addressing the security challenges confronting the state. She called for stronger cooperation among security agencies, traditional rulers and communities to improve the flow of information and enable authorities to respond more effectively to threats.
Piyo appealed to the IGP to activate and deploy officers to the Mobile Police Barracks in Gashish, Barkin Ladi Local Government Area of the state, saying the facility had remained moribund since its establishment. She said putting the barracks to full operational use would strengthen police presence and improve response capabilities in communities within the axis.
“The facility has remained moribund since its establishment. Putting the facility to full operational use would strengthen police presence and improve response capabilities in communities within the axis,” she said.
The Deputy Governor also urged residents to remain vigilant and avoid reprisals that could further escalate tensions in affected communities. She said residents should support security agencies with information and refrain from actions capable of worsening the situation, as the Police leadership and the state government continued efforts to find lasting solutions to the killings.
“Residents should avoid reprisals that could further escalate tensions in affected communities,” Piyo said.
The IGP’s visit ended with renewed emphasis on intelligence-led policing, community engagement and inter-agency collaboration as authorities work to address insecurity in Mangu and other parts of Plateau State.
While Disu assured residents that arrests had been made and that the Police would intensify efforts to bring perpetrators to justice, details of the suspects arrested and the immediate operational arrangements for the Gashish Mobile Police Barracks were not disclosed.
