Plateau State Governor advocates for data-driven law enforcement to combat city-based extremist threats

By Golok Nanmwa, Jos

Plateau State Governor, Caleb Mutfwang, has directed security agencies to adopt proactive, intelligence-driven operations following a deadly attack in Angwan Rukuba, Jos North Local Government Area, which left several people dead and many others injured.

The governor gave the directive on Monday while receiving the Deputy Inspector-General of Police in charge of Operations, Umar Shehu Nadada, who visited Government House, Jos, on the directive of the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu.

Describing the attack as “cowardly and utterly senseless,” Mutfwang expressed deep sorrow over the loss of innocent lives, noting that the victims were attacked while going about their lawful activities. He added that those injured are currently receiving treatment at the Jos University Teaching Hospital, with many reported to be in stable condition.

“It is deeply heartbreaking that a city we have long regarded as one of the most peaceful in the region has witnessed such horror,” the governor said. “We are now confronted with an emerging phase of urban terrorism, and this demands a fundamental rethink of our security architecture—shifting from reactive responses to proactive, intelligence-led operations.”

Mutfwang disclosed that security agencies had recorded some progress, including the arrest of a suspect allegedly involved in spreading inciting information capable of triggering unrest. He urged law enforcement agencies to intensify intelligence gathering and ensure that all perpetrators and their sponsors are identified, apprehended, and prosecuted.

He commended residents, particularly youths in the affected community, for their restraint, and called for stronger collaboration between government, security agencies, and local communities to tackle criminal activities.

“The time for hesitation is over. We must deploy every available resource to defend our people, protect lives and property, and safeguard the territorial integrity of our state,” he said.

The governor also assured security agencies of the state government’s full support in logistics, coordination, and operational backing.

Earlier, DIG Nadada said his visit was part of a fact-finding and operational assessment mission ordered by the Inspector-General of Police. He revealed that additional personnel, including units of the Police Mobile Force and intelligence operatives, had been deployed to the area to restore order and track down those responsible.

“We are here to assess the situation firsthand and implement effective strategies to neutralize these criminal elements,” he said, adding that security agencies are working in synergy and would engage community leaders and other stakeholders to prevent a recurrence.