The Plateau State Government on Tuesday declared what it described as a “state of war against terrorists and enemies of the state” following renewed attacks and growing insecurity across several communities in the state.
The declaration came after an emergency meeting of the State Security Council convened by Governor Caleb Mutfwang at the Rayfield Government House in Jos.
PrimeTimes Nigeria reports that the meeting was attended by top security chiefs, chairmen of the 17 local government areas, and the Chairman of the Plateau State Joint Traditional Council, the Gbong Gwom Jos, Da Jacob Gyang Buba.
Addressing journalists after the meeting, the Secretary to the State Government, Samuel Jatau, said the council carried out a comprehensive review of the deteriorating security situation in the state and resolved to adopt tougher measures to curb the violence.
“Rising from the meeting, the Plateau State Security Council held an emergency session where the current security situation in the state was critically deliberated,” Jatau said.
Jatau disclosed that members of the council observed that communities across Plateau State had come under sustained attacks over the last four months, noting that the pattern suggested a coordinated campaign by criminal elements.
According to him, the government could no longer treat the attacks as isolated incidents, hence the decision to intensify security operations across the state.
Declaring the position of the government, he stated, “Plateau State is in a state of war with terrorists and enemies of the state.”
He added that the Mutfwang administration remained determined to defend residents and secure communities from further attacks.
As part of decisions reached at the emergency session, the government directed security agencies to intensify the enforcement of existing restrictions on motorcycle operations, night grazing and illegal mining activities.
Authorities believe the activities have significantly contributed to insecurity in parts of the state.
The council also ordered security agencies to reclaim ungoverned territories, vulnerable communities, and public institutions allegedly occupied or threatened by criminal groups.
To strengthen ongoing operations, the state government approved additional logistics support for security agencies, including motorcycles and operational vehicles aimed at improving rapid response capabilities.
The government also issued a stern warning against the obstruction of highways and public roads, declaring that anyone found blocking roads would henceforth be treated as a criminal and prosecuted accordingly.
Jatau said the council resolved to improve intelligence gathering and information sharing between local government security structures and host communities to enhance early response to threats.
The government further stressed the importance of securing farmlands ahead of the farming season to enable residents to carry out agricultural activities without fear of attacks.
Traditional rulers across the state were also directed to strengthen monitoring and supervision of cultural and community-based associations operating within their domains.
The council maintained that community leaders must play active roles in supporting intelligence gathering and maintaining peace at the grassroots level.
Beyond tackling violent attacks, the Plateau State Government also declared a renewed war against drug trafficking and substance abuse.
Jatau said the government would intensify operations against drug dealers, suppliers and users across the state as part of efforts to address the root causes of crime and insecurity.
He reiterated the administration’s commitment to protecting lives and property, insisting that the government would not relent until peace fully returns to Plateau State.