Operatives of the Plateau State Police Command have arrested 12 suspected troublemakers following attempts to disrupt peace in parts of the state amid ongoing efforts to restore calm after recent tensions.
The Commissioner of Police in the state, Bassey Ewah, disclosed the arrests on Friday, noting that the suspects were apprehended shortly after Jumat prayers in the Zololo area.
According to the police commissioner, the suspects allegedly attempted to create tension in the area but were swiftly intercepted by security operatives.
Ewah said, “About 30 minutes after prayers, some miscreants around the Zololo area wanted to create problems for us, but they met us waiting.
“I can tell you that we have 12 of them arrested. They came out with sticks trying to cross over to the Nasarawa area, but we too charged.”
He assured residents that those arrested would face prosecution in accordance with the law.
“They are here, and I can assure you that they will face the law. We are determined to continue to enforce the law,” he added.
Ewah explained that the arrests formed part of broader security measures implemented after the visit of President Bola Tinubu to the state.
“I would like to thank the president who came yesterday. I also appreciate the Inspector General of Police and all the senior officers who came. That accounts for the increase in manpower you see deployed to maintain stability,” he said.
The commissioner revealed that four mobile police units and over 300 additional officers had been deployed to Plateau State to strengthen security operations.
The police chief also disclosed that security agencies had commenced coordinated joint patrols across the state to respond quickly to threats.
“Currently, we have a joint patrol of all the security forces on the Plateau led by the police, going from point to point, responding timely to calls about any threats to the breakdown of law and order,” he said.
While noting that the Jumat prayers were conducted peacefully, Ewah warned that some individuals were still attempting to create instability.
“There are merchants of conflict who want to see the state in a conflict state, but I assure you, as the Commissioner of Police, working with other security agencies, we are committed to ensuring peace is maintained,” he stated.
The commissioner also stressed that the police would strictly enforce the ongoing curfew and movement restrictions imposed to maintain order.
He added, “We are determined to continue to enforce the curfew, which is from 3 p.m. You will see our men enforcing it fully.
“The ban on okada is also being enforced, and the restriction of movement on keke napep is also being enforced.”
Ewah commended the Plateau State Government for its support and urged residents to remain law-abiding and cooperate with security agencies as efforts continue to stabilise the state.