By Ejire Folakunmi
The Nigeria Police Force has stepped up security operations in Plateau State following a deadly attack in Angwan Rukuba community, in the Nasarawa Gwong area of Jos North Local Government Area.
The Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Rilwan Disu, undertook an operational visit to the state in response to the March 29, 2026 incident, which resulted in the loss of innocent lives.
During the visit, the IGP condemned the attack and paid a courtesy call on Plateau State Governor, Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang, commiserating with him and residents over the tragic development. He subsequently proceeded to the affected community for an on-the-spot assessment of the situation.
Disu disclosed that upon receiving the distress call, the police launched an immediate and coordinated operational response. This included the deployment of the Deputy Inspector-General of Police in charge of Operations, Usman Nadada, and the Assistant Inspector-General of Police in charge of the Police Mobile Force, Francis Iwu.
The response also involved eight units of the Police Mobile Force, the Special Intervention Squad, and other tactical and intelligence teams, working in synergy with other security agencies, including the military.
According to the IGP, the situation has been significantly de-escalated through sustained security operations and engagements with key stakeholders, including the local government chairman, community leaders, and youth groups.
He noted that security personnel remain strategically deployed across the affected areas to maintain law and order, while intelligence-driven operations are ongoing to track down and apprehend those responsible for the attack.
The police chief emphasised that operations will continue until normalcy is fully restored, warning residents, particularly youths, against taking the law into their own hands.
He stressed that any form of reprisal or vigilantism could further inflame tensions and undermine ongoing peace efforts.
In his remarks, Governor Mutfwang commended the swift response of the police, particularly acknowledging the leadership of the Commissioner of Police, Plateau State Command, Bassey Ewah, and the role of the Police Mobile Force in containing the crisis.
The governor, however, called for structural reforms in the country’s security architecture, advocating the establishment of state police to enhance operational efficiency.
He also highlighted the need for modern policing tools, including night surveillance drones with infrared capabilities, to improve intelligence gathering and rapid response.
Mutfwang further urged the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) and the State Intelligence Bureau (SIB) to intensify intelligence efforts, while reaffirming the state government’s commitment to supporting security agencies with logistics.
He noted that challenges such as difficult terrain, manpower shortages, and the distance between armouries continue to affect effective security coverage in the state.
The IGP assured that he would brief the President and Commander-in-Chief on the situation as part of ongoing national security coordination.
He called on residents to remain calm, vigilant, and law-abiding, urging them to provide credible information to security agencies to support ongoing operations.
The Nigeria Police Force reiterated its commitment to protecting lives and property, assuring that all necessary measures are being taken to restore lasting peace in Plateau State.