State Police: We will pay a higher price if we fail to act now — Mutfwang

By Precious Mark

Plateau State Governor, Caleb Mutfwang, has raised alarm that the establishment of State Police is an urgent national imperative, warning that Nigeria will pay a much higher price in the future if it fails to decentralize its security architecture now.

Mutfwang made the assertions on Thursday while speaking as a panelist at the Arise TV Town Hall Programme on State Police.

Reflecting on the severe security challenges he inherited upon assuming office, the governor revealed that his administration had to take immediate, alternative steps to protect citizens, including reviving the state’s dormant internal security outfit.

“When I assumed office, Plateau State was grappling with numerous security challenges. One of the first decisive steps we took was to reactivate Operation Rainbow, the state-owned security outfit established with the approval of former President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan to provide critical intelligence support to conventional security agencies. Beyond that, we have invested in technology-driven surveillance,” Mutfwang stated.

The Governor however commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his bold leadership in pushing the state policing conversation beyond mere rhetoric and into concrete national action.

Addressing widespread fears regarding the potential weaponization or abuse of local forces by state executives, Mutfwang argued that the benefits of localized policing far outweigh the risks, noting that institutional safeguards can easily curb political overreach.

“ I firmly believe that the benefits of State Police far outweigh the concerns that have been raised. While every reform comes with challenges, potential abuses can be addressed through robust legal safeguards, institutional checks, accountability mechanisms, and effective oversight,” he maintained.

Mutfwang also brought a fresh dimension to the debate by calling for an immediate national conversation on how the decentralized forces will be financed, noting that financial sustainability is the bedrock of operational success.

“One critical issue that deserves greater national attention is the question of sustainable funding. If we establish a reliable funding framework for State Police, we will significantly strengthen our collective capacity to confront insecurity across the country.”

“This is a defining moment for our nation. We must seize this opportunity to build a security system that reflects our realities, protects our citizens, and secures the future of Nigeria,” Mutfwang said.