By Golok Nanmwa
JOS — Plateau State Governor, Caleb Mutfwang, has reiterated the need for the establishment of state police, describing it as a critical step towards addressing Nigeria’s growing security challenges.
Mutfwang spoke during the ARISE Television Town Hall Programme on “Building a National Consensus for State Police and National Security,” where he highlighted Plateau State’s efforts to strengthen security and shared his views on the proposed policing reform.
The governor said his administration inherited a state grappling with persistent security challenges and responded by revitalising Operation Rainbow, the state’s security outfit established to provide intelligence support to conventional security agencies.
According to him, the government has also deployed technology-driven surveillance systems and established a command-and-control centre to enhance intelligence gathering, monitor security developments across the state, and improve emergency response.
“We have deployed technology and a command centre to monitor activities across the state. However, Plateau’s unique topography presents serious challenges.
“We have many remote and difficult terrains that are not easily accessible, even to security agencies. This sometimes delays response time and creates understandable frustration among our people,” he said.
Mutfwang explained that the long-term plan is to strengthen Operation Rainbow beyond intelligence gathering by equipping it with the capacity for coordinated responses to security threats.
“The idea is to build on what we already have with Operation Rainbow so that it can be properly structured to address all aspects of law enforcement. It is not just about gathering intelligence; there must also be the capacity to act on that intelligence,” he added.
The governor commended President Bola Tinubu for advancing the national conversation on state police, saying the Federal Government had moved the issue beyond debate to concrete action.
“I commend President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his bold leadership in moving the conversation on state police beyond rhetoric.
“The benefits far outweigh the concerns that have been raised. Every reform has its challenges, but potential abuses can be addressed through strong legal safeguards, institutional checks, accountability mechanisms and effective oversight,” he said.
Mutfwang identified sustainable funding as one of the key requirements for the success of state police, stressing that a reliable financing framework would significantly strengthen Nigeria’s security architecture.
He expressed confidence that Plateau already has a solid foundation for a future state police structure once the National Assembly completes work on the necessary legal framework.
“We have a good head start. Once the National Assembly puts the necessary legal framework in place, we can address issues of recruitment and other operational requirements,” he stated.
On the recurring attacks in Plateau and other parts of the country, the governor said insecurity is a complex challenge that cannot be attributed to a single cause.
He also alleged that political interests sometimes worsen security challenges, particularly during election periods.
“There is the element of elite conspiracy in certain respects. As we enter the electioneering season, some political actors may attempt to capitalise on the grief of the people to score political points.
“The issue of elite conspiracy is well known to the federal security agencies, and sometimes certain statements have aggravated tensions,” he said.
Mutfwang, however, stressed that addressing insecurity requires sustained reforms and collective commitment, warning that delaying the establishment of state police could have far-reaching consequences.
“If we fail to act now, we will ultimately pay a much higher price in the future.
“This is a defining moment for our nation. We must build a security system that reflects our realities, protects our citizens and secures the future of Nigeria,” he said.
