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Jingir Opposes State Police, Alleges Plot to Destabilise Plateau

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Jingir Opposes State Police, Alleges Plot to Destabilise Plateau

By: Zagazola Makama

The debate over the proposed establishment of state police has taken a fresh turn in Plateau State following remarks by prominent Islamic cleric, Sheikh Sani Yahaya Jingir, who cautioned against the initiative and alleged attempts by political actors to destabilise the state.

Jingir, the National Chairman, Council of Ulama, Jama’atu Izalatul Bid’ah Wa’Ikamatis Sunnah (JIBWIS), headquartered in Jos, expressed reservations over granting states the authority to establish their own police formations.

The cleric warned that, in a politically polarised environment like Plateau, state-controlled security outfits could be misused against perceived political opponents.

“Tell us, when he was in power, who has become rich? How many Berom has he killed? How many Fulani has he killed? How many Hausas and Christians has he killed? Even those that are close to him, some people said that he was the one that led to the harvesting of their kidney. It was alleged. We have been hearing so. He removed the kidney of those close to him, talk more of you,” said Jingir.

He urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to exercise caution in considering proposals for decentralised policing, arguing that safeguards must be firmly in place to prevent abuse.

Jingir’s intervention comes amid renewed national conversations on restructuring Nigeria’s security architecture. Proponents of state police argue that decentralisation would enhance rapid response and local intelligence gathering. Critics, however, fear potential politicisation in states with deeply divided political and ethno-religious landscapes.

In his remarks, Jingir suggested that certain political actors in Plateau might exploit state police structures to target individuals perceived as unsympathetic to their ideology. He emphasised the need to prioritise peace and stability over partisan interests.

“Some certain issues, they will pretend as if everything has gone down, but they will just raise it up when the security outfit is established. They say they should establish police in every state. If anyone says he will accept this, are we going to accept it?” worshippers chanted, “Not at all.” “You know how they cheated us. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, some of these politicians are not as good as you, they are not as good as someone like Kashim Shettima. Wallahi, if you grant them the permission to establish police, they will start killing those that are not inclined with their political ideology.”

The cleric also alluded to alleged efforts by a former governor of the state to foment instability for political advantage, though he did not provide specific evidence. He expressed the view that the current governor should not be held responsible for recent tensions and urged him to remain focused on governance and peacebuilding.

“Even before giving them the police, they are already killing people,” he said, apparently referring to the former governor. He added that it could be possible that he was the one who orchestrated his people (Berom youths) to attack innocent commuters on the road.

Jingir exonerated the present Governor, Mutfwang, saying: “In my own thinking, the governor does not have any hand in the crises. This new governor that became the governor (Mutfwang), was it the old governor that put him there? If the former one could make him become governor, then why did he not continue as governor?”

Despite his criticisms, Jingir reiterated the importance of peace and coexistence in Plateau, urging leaders across divides to avoid actions capable of reigniting crisis. He called on both Muslim and Christian communities to prioritise dialogue and mutual respect.

He prayed that the wickedness allegedly being planned against the present governor would be exposed and brought to shame. He urged the governor to continue working in the way of God and not allow anyone to intimidate him into actions that could bring crisis into the state.

Zagazola reports that political alignments in Plateau have undergone notable shifts in recent years, with cross-party movements and alliances reshaping the state’s landscape. Analysts note that such realignments often intensify rhetoric, particularly as stakeholders begin positioning ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Plateau’s politics has historically reflected the state’s complex ethno-religious composition, especially in Jos North, where questions of indigeneship and political representation have shaped contestations for decades.

While the state has experienced relative calm compared to earlier periods of widespread violence, underlying tensions remain sensitive. Public statements by influential religious and political figures therefore carry significant weight in shaping public perception and intergroup relations.

Zagazola cautions that in a fragile environment, inflammatory or accusatory rhetoric regardless of source can heighten suspicion and polarisation, stressing the need for measured communication and fact-based engagement, particularly when discussing sensitive security reforms such as state policing.

As discussions on security restructuring continue at the national level, Plateau remains a microcosm of the broader debate: balancing local autonomy with safeguards against politicisation, while ensuring that peace and public trust are not compromised.

For many residents, the overriding concern remains stability. With political activities gradually building toward 2027, stakeholders say the tone and substance of public discourse will play a critical role in determining whether Plateau consolidates calm or re-enters a cycle of heightened tension.

Jingir Opposes State Police, Alleges Plot to Destabilise Plateau

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Zulum Delivers Relief, Cash Support to 434 Ngoshe Residents Rescued from Boko Haram

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Zulum Delivers Relief, Cash Support to 434 Ngoshe Residents Rescued from Boko Haram

By: Our Reporter

Borno State Government has distributed relief materials to 434 indigenes of Ngoshe community in Gwoza Local Government Area who were recently rescued by security agencies after spending three months in Boko Haram captivity.

Governor Babagana Umara Zulum visited the victims in Pulka on Monday and directed the immediate distribution of food and non-food items to support their recovery and reintegration.

In compliance with the Governor’s directive, the Director General of the Borno State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), Alhaji Ali Abdullahi Isa, promptly supervised the distribution exercise.

Each rescued person received a bag of rice, a bag of maize grits, a mattress, a wrapper, and a shadda, while children received two pairs of clothing.

In addition, 208 heads of households received N50,000 each, fulfilling Governor Zulum’s earlier pledge of financial assistance.

Speaking during the distribution, the SEMA Director General said the intervention was part of the government’s immediate response to ease the hardship faced by the rescued victims.

“I am here at the instance of His Excellency, Governor Babagana Umara Zulum, who was here some few days ago, and to deliver the items he directed that it should be given to you as emergency relief,” Ali stated.

The rescued individuals are currently receiving medical care and psychosocial support at a government facility. Upon completion of the rehabilitation process, they will be reintegrated into their respective communities.

The exercise was carried out alongside the Chairman of Gwoza local government, representatives of the Ngoshe community, and other officials.

Zulum Delivers Relief, Cash Support to 434 Ngoshe Residents Rescued from Boko Haram

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Democracy Day: Zulum gives 2 MRAPs, other logistics to Army, celebrates with IDPs

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Democracy Day: Zulum gives 2 MRAPs, other logistics to Army, celebrates with IDPs

By: Michael Mike

Borno State Governor, Babagana Umara Zulum, marked Democracy Day with the handover of two Mine-Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) vehicles and critical logistics to the Nigerian Army, after joining internally displaced persons (IDPs) for a symbolic celebration and distribution of food items to 2,500 beneficiaries.

The armoured MRAPs delivered to the Theatre Command of Operation Hadin Kai on Friday are intended to enhance troop protection against improvised explosive devices (IEDs) and ambushes which remain a persistent threat in the fight against insurgents. Additional logistics include operational Hilux vehicles and motorcycles for frontline soldiers in difficult terrains.

Zulum also marked Nigeria’s Democracy Day celebration with Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) at the Madinatu camp where he distributed food supplies, non-food items, and cash gifts to thousands of beneficiaries.

The distribution, held at the Madinatu IDP camp, served to consolidate Zulum’s resettlement gains. Over the past seven years, Borno State Government has successfully resettled more than 2 million IDPs in their ancestral communities in a dignified and voluntary manner.

“It gladdens my heart today, the 12th of June, 2026, to celebrate June 12th, Democracy Day, here in Madinatu Camp, the only formal camp that is standing inside Maiduguri Metropolitan Council, today, to the glory of God and the benefit of mankind, for the distribution of food and non-food items. Inshallah, this camp will be closed this year. This will be our last distribution exercise in this camp, or the second to the last,” Zulum said.

However, Governor Zulum used the occasion to announce a timeline for the camp’s closure. The governor ordered that Madinatu camp be shut down within one month, vowing to similarly close most IDP camps across various Local Government Areas in the coming phase of his administration’s resettlement strategy.

“Democracy must translate into restoring the dignity of our people,” Zulum told the IDPs. “Living in camps is not a permanent solution. Our goal remains to return every displaced person to their ancestral homes with security and means of livelihood.”

In addition to the food items, Zulum approved N50,000 each for the 2,500 beneficiaries present at the event.

“Each of the 500 beneficiaries mentioned will receive a 25kg bag of rice and a 25kg bag of sorghum. Women will receive wrappers. I also promise to provide 50,000 naira to each beneficiary. This amount can be credited into their own individual accounts, inshallah,” Zulum said.

The exercise was attended by the APC’s State Deputy Chairman, Garba Mulima, APC State Vice Chairman (Central) Abdur Rahman Abdulkarim, Acting Chief of Staff, Dr Babagana Mallumbe, Member representing Jere at the State Assembly, Abba Kyari Kolo, commissioners and commissioner designates and several other senior government officials.

Democracy Day: Zulum gives 2 MRAPs, other logistics to Army, celebrates with IDPs

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Gov. Yusuf Commends DSS Over Arrest of Suspected Gun Courier in Kano

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Gov. Yusuf Commends DSS Over Arrest of Suspected Gun Courier in Kano

By: Michael Mike

Kano State Governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf, has commended the Department of State Services (DSS) for the arrest of a suspected gun courier intercepted while allegedly transporting weapons believed to be destined for criminal elements in Katsina State.

The commendation was contained in a statement issued by the Governor’s spokesperson, Sunusi Bature Dawakin Tofa, on Thursday, June 12, 2026.

Governor Yusuf described the operation as a major breakthrough in the ongoing fight against banditry, terrorism and other violent crimes threatening communities across Northern Nigeria.

According to information provided by the DSS, the suspect, identified as Muhammad Abubakar, 30, was apprehended in Gezawa Local Government Area of Kano State while allegedly transporting four rocket-propelled grenade (RPG) tubes, three AK-47 rifles and two empty magazines to Funtua in Katsina State.

Preliminary investigations reportedly revealed that the suspect collected the weapons from an individual identified as Bello in the Maigatari border area of Jigawa State and was expected to receive N450,000 upon successful delivery of the arms.

Governor Yusuf praised the professionalism, vigilance and intelligence-driven approach of DSS operatives, noting that the timely interception prevented the weapons from falling into the hands of bandits and other criminal groups.

He said the operation underscored the critical role of intelligence gathering and effective collaboration among security agencies in tackling emerging security threats across the country.

The governor reaffirmed the commitment of the Kano State Government to supporting security agencies through sustained cooperation, logistics assistance and policies aimed at strengthening public safety throughout the state.

He also urged residents to remain vigilant and continue providing credible information to security agencies to aid efforts to combat crime and maintain peace.

Governor Yusuf expressed confidence that ongoing investigations would lead to the arrest and prosecution of all individuals connected to the alleged arms trafficking network.

The statement was signed by Sunusi Bature Dawakin Tofa, Director General, Media and Publicity, Government House, Kano.

Gov. Yusuf Commends DSS Over Arrest of Suspected Gun Courier in Kano

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