By Our Correspondent
Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Rilwan Disu, has visited Plateau State over the recent killings in Mangu and other parts of the state, assuring residents that the Nigeria Police Force would intensify intelligence gathering, community engagement and operations to arrest those responsible.
Disu, who paid a condolence visit to the Plateau State Government on Wednesday, said the Police were dissatisfied with the security situation but had already made some arrests in connection with the incidents.
The IGP said his visit was aimed at assessing the situation, engaging stakeholders and finding lasting solutions to the security challenges confronting affected communities.
“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,” Disu said.
He stressed the need for sustained collaboration among security agencies, government authorities, traditional institutions and local communities, noting that intelligence-led policing and timely information were critical to preventing further attacks.
Disu also urged residents to provide credible information to security agencies, saying improved trust between communities and security personnel would enhance early threat detection and the arrest of perpetrators.
Receiving the IGP on behalf of Governor Caleb Mutfwang, Deputy Governor Ngo Josephine Chundung Piyo commended the Police leadership for visiting the state and responding to the security concerns.
Piyo said the state government had continued to strengthen security efforts but noted that effective protection of lives and property required robust intelligence gathering, community engagement and rapid response to emerging threats.
She also commended the IGP for deploying a new Commissioner of Police to the state, saying the move would strengthen cooperation among the Police, other security agencies, traditional institutions and communities.
The Deputy Governor, however, appealed to IGP Disu to activate the Mobile Police Barracks in Gashish, Barkin Ladi Local Government Area, which she said had remained moribund since its establishment.
She said operationalising the facility would increase police presence and improve response capabilities in communities within the area.
“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,” Piyo said.
She also urged residents of affected communities to remain vigilant and shun reprisals capable of escalating tensions.
“Residents should avoid reprisals that could further escalate tensions in affected communities,” she added.
The visit ended with renewed emphasis on intelligence-led policing, community engagement and inter-agency collaboration to tackle insecurity in Mangu and other parts of Plateau State.
The Police did not disclose the identities or number of suspects arrested, while details of the immediate operational arrangements for the Gashish Mobile Police Barracks were also not made public.
