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Jingir Opposes State Police, Alleges Plot to Destabilise Plateau
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
Galadima Commends Military, Security Agencies Over Rescue of 18 Kidnap Victims in Ibi
By Zagazola Makama
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) House of Representatives candidate for Wukari/Ibi Federal Constituency, TPL Mukhtar Usman Galadima, has commended the Nigerian military, other security agencies and the Federal Government for the successful rescue of 18 kidnapped victims in Ibi Local Government Area of Taraba State.
Galadima, reacting to reports of the rescue, described the operation as a significant demonstration of the commitment of the security forces to protecting lives and restoring peace in communities affected by criminal activities. He particularly applauded the troops of Sector 3 deployed in Ibi for responding swiftly to reports of kidnapping activities at Kwatan Bajji in the early hours of August 18, leading to the recovery of the victims.
The PDP candidate said the successful operation should reassure residents of Wukari/Ibi Federal Constituency that security forces remain committed to confronting criminal elements and protecting communities. He urged the rescued victims and their families to remain hopeful while calling on security agencies to sustain and intensify operations in vulnerable communities across the constituency and Taraba State.
Galadima, however, stressed the need for stronger inter-agency cooperation and improved intelligence-sharing among the military, police and other security and intelligence agencies. He said security operations would become more effective when relevant agencies work closely together to identify threats, track criminal networks and disrupt their activities before they are able to carry out attacks.
He also called for stronger legislation and institutional support to enhance the operational and intelligence-gathering capabilities of the Armed Forces and other security agencies. According to him, the objective should not only be to respond to kidnapping and other violent crimes after they occur, but to develop the capacity to anticipate and prevent such incidents long before they happen.
The Wukari/Ibi candidate said improved legislation, better intelligence infrastructure, modern surveillance capabilities and sustained support for security personnel would strengthen the ability of the nation’s security architecture to respond to emerging threats. He noted that protecting rural communities requires a proactive security strategy capable of detecting criminal movements and networks before they pose a danger to residents.
Galadima equally appealed to residents of Wukari/Ibi Federal Constituency to see themselves as partners in the fight against insecurity. He urged community leaders, traditional institutions, youths and residents to maintain close cooperation with security agencies and provide timely and credible information whenever they notice suspicious movements or activities.
He cautioned residents against withholding useful information out of fear or reluctance, stressing that early reporting can make the difference between preventing a crime and responding to its consequences. He also urged security agencies to protect the confidentiality of credible informants and strengthen community-based intelligence networks.
While commending the Federal Government for supporting ongoing security operations, Galadima said sustained investment in the welfare, equipment, intelligence and operational capacity of security personnel remains essential to achieving lasting peace.
He expressed optimism that with stronger collaboration between security agencies and local communities, improved legislation and greater government support, kidnapping and other forms of criminality can be significantly reduced across Wukari, Ibi and other vulnerable parts of Taraba State.
The candidate congratulated the 18 rescued victims and their families, and urged security forces not to relent until all criminal elements operating in the area are identified and brought to justice.
Galadima Commends Military, Security Agencies Over Rescue of 18 Kidnap Victims in Ibi
Troops Arrest Five Suspected Terrorist Logistics Suppliers in Borno
By Zagazola Makama
MAIDUGURI — Troops of the Nigerian Army, in collaboration with members of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF), have arrested five female suspected terrorist logistics suppliers in Ngurusoye village, Borno State.
The suspects were intercepted at about 6:48 p.m. on Aug. 17 by troops of 151 Task Force Battalion deployed in the area, following intelligence on their activities.
The suspects were identified as Falmata Jibrin, 53; Hajja Zaragon, 50; Falmata Ali, 50; Inagana Modu, 30; and Falmata Abubakar, 13.
Security sources told Zagazola Makama that troops recovered various items from the suspects, including 65 packs of sweet candies, 117 packs of biscuits and 167 sachets of Dangote salt, among other assorted provisions.
The suspects and recovered items have been handed over to 21 Special Anti-Banditry Mobile Police Regiment (21 SAB MOPOL) for further investigation and necessary action.
The arrests form part of ongoing intelligence-led operations by troops under Operation HADIN KAI and Operation DESERT SANITY V to disrupt terrorist logistics networks and deny insurgents access to food, supplies and other materials needed to sustain their activities.
Security sources said the overall situation across the theatre remained calm but unpredictable, while troops continued to maintain satisfactory morale and operational readiness.
Troops Arrest Five Suspected Terrorist Logistics Suppliers in Borno
Troops Arrest Two Suspected Terrorists, Recover Weapons in Adamawa
By Zagazola Makama
Troops of Operation HADIN KAI, in collaboration with local hunters, have arrested two suspected terrorists and recovered weapons during an intelligence-led operation in Hong Local Government Area of Adamawa State.
The operation was conducted at about 10:15 a.m. on Aug. 16, by troops of B Company, 232 Battalion, Garaha, working with hunters.
The suspects were identified as Hyema Luka, 20, and Hyellaki Manasse, 47.
According to security sources, the operation followed credible intelligence that led troops to the suspects and their associates in the area.
Preliminary investigation revealed that Luka had sustained a gunshot wound to his right foot during an attack in Yau village, near Garaha, Hong LGA, on Dec. 24, 2025.
Further investigation reportedly led to the arrest of Manasse, who was allegedly treating the injured suspect at Bilamari village in Hong Local Government Area.
During preliminary questioning, Luka claimed that he was forcibly abducted by terrorists while working on his farm at Lamba village in Hong LGA sometime in 2025.
He reportedly told investigators that he was subsequently compelled to fight alongside the terrorist group.
Security sources said Luka escaped from the terrorist camp during the night of Aug. 14, 2026, before his eventual arrest.
Items recovered from the suspects include one mobile phone, one SIM card, two bows and arrows, one locally made sword and four locally fabricated firearms.
The suspects are currently in the custody of 232 Battalion for further investigation.
The latest operation forms part of sustained intelligence-led efforts by troops under Operation HADIN KAI and Operation DESERT SANITY V to identify and dismantle terrorist networks operating across the North East.
Security sources said the situation across the theatre remained calm but unpredictable, while troops continued to maintain high operational readiness across their areas of responsibility.
Troops Arrest Two Suspected Terrorists, Recover Weapons in Adamawa
Galadima Commends Military, Security Agencies Over Rescue of 18 Kidnap Victims in Ibi
Troops Arrest Five Suspected Terrorist Logistics Suppliers in Borno
Troops Arrest Two Suspected Terrorists, Recover Weapons in Adamawa
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