Plateau killings: Mutfwang urges unified response to terrorism, banditry, cybercrime

By Golok Nanmwa

Governor Caleb Mutfwang of Plateau State has called for stronger collaboration, enhanced intelligence sharing and coordinated responses among federal and state actors to tackle Nigeria’s increasingly complex security challenges.

The governor made the call on Thursday while declaring open the 2026 Federal and States Security Administrators Meeting (FSSAM) in Jos, a strategic gathering of security administrators from the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory, senior government officials and representatives of agencies under the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA).

Represented by his deputy, Mrs. Ngo Josephine Piyo, Mutfwang said Nigeria’s current security realities demand collective action, stressing that no single institution or level of government can effectively address threats such as terrorism, banditry, cybercrime and communal conflicts in isolation.

“Security is a shared responsibility, and collaboration remains our greatest strength,” the governor told delegates.

He noted that Plateau State’s experiences with conflict had strengthened the administration’s resolve to promote peace through purposeful leadership, institutional responsiveness and stronger partnerships.

Mutfwang described Plateau’s hosting of the 2026 FSSAM for the first time as a recognition of the state’s commitment to peacebuilding, national unity and improved security governance.

He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to strengthening the state’s security architecture, improving inter-agency cooperation and supporting community-based initiatives aimed at creating a safe and stable environment.

In his keynote address, Chairman of FSSAM and Permanent Secretary, Special Services, Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Alhaji Yargaya, called for professionalism and balance in media coverage of insecurity.

He said while security concerns remain, reportage should reflect both the challenges and progress being made, adding that traditional rulers, religious leaders and civil society organisations continue to play important roles in mediation and early warning efforts.

Yargaya also announced a new operational format for FSSAM under which specialised centres under the Office of the National Security Adviser would brief states on federal policy frameworks and receive feedback to improve coordinated responses.

Representing the National Security Adviser, Barr. Okauru commended the Plateau State Government for measures introduced to strengthen security, including intelligence coordination, deployment of surveillance drones, reactivation of operational groups and the reconstitution of the Plateau Interfaith Advisory Council.

He warned that weak institutions and misinformation continue to worsen insecurity and urged stakeholders to intensify coordination ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Okauru disclosed that the Office of the National Security Adviser is strengthening federal-state collaboration through monthly Joint Intelligence Board meetings.

Our correspondent reports that the meeting is expected to generate recommendations aimed at deepening cooperation and strengthening Nigeria’s response to emerging and existing security threats.

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