Governor Caleb Mutfwang of Plateau State has reiterated the need for state police, arguing that centralised command from Abuja is inadequate to tackle localised security threats.
Speaking during an interactive session with members of the Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE) in Jos, Mutfwang said the state was strengthening grassroots policing through Operation Rainbow, a community-based security outfit.
“We have recruited 1,450 young operatives who will begin training next week,” the governor said. “The reality is that attackers infiltrate from Taraba, Nasarawa, or Kaduna, strike our villages, and retreat. Abuja cannot monitor these terrains the way our people can.”
While acknowledging concerns about potential political abuse of state police, Mutfwang maintained that proper safeguards could address such risks. He pointed to federal systems like the United States, where multiple policing layers operate effectively, noting that Nigeria could achieve the same with strong political will.
The governor also disclosed that surveillance drones deployed in Plateau had begun tracking the movement of armed groups, helping security forces respond more effectively.
“Our drones have captured clear images of bandit movements across ungoverned spaces,” he said. “This has allowed ground troops to respond quickly. However, without consistent air support, we sometimes lose the advantage. Manpower is also a huge challenge.”
Mutfwang recalled a recent ambush on security escorts in Bokkos during farming preparations, which forced the state to review its displaced persons return strategy. He added that Plateau would continue advocating for more federal security deployment while investing in local intelligence and rapid response systems.