By Kolawole Ojebisi
In a bid to douse the tension in Plateau State and restore normalcy, the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, has ordered the immediate and comprehensive deployment of police tactical assets to troubled communities in the North-Central State.
The deployment comes just days after coordinated attacks by armed assailants on March 28 in Bokkos Local Government Area, which led to the deaths of at least 50 individuals and left many others injured.
Speaking on the move in a statement issued on Wednesday morning, the Force Public Relations Officer, Olumuyiwa Adejobi, said the deployment was in response to the series of attacks and killings that have plagued some communities in the North Central state.
Adejobi said the decisive action underscores the Nigeria Police Force’s resolve to restoring peace, ensuring the safety and security of all residents, and bringing perpetrators of these heinous crimes to justice.
He said the IG has tasked the Deputy Inspector-General of Police in charge of the Department of Operations, DIG Kwazhi Yakubu, to lead and coordinate this critical intervention with significant reinforcements, including additional units of highly trained tactical personnel, state-of-the-art drones for enhanced surveillance, Armored Personnel Carriers units of Police Mobile Force, helicopters, and specialised platoons from the Special Intervention Squad.
Adejobi said these resources will be strategically deployed to conduct special operations aimed at effectively curbing the incessant attacks which have tragically resulted in the loss of innocent lives.
The statement added, “The recent escalation of violence began on March 28, 2025, when some armed assailants launched a brutal attack in Bokkos, resulting in the deaths of some individuals and serious injuries to many others.
“This initial incident tragically marked the beginning of a series of attacks that have since claimed the lives of scores of people, leaving communities devastated and gripped by fear.
“Recognising the gravity of the situation, the IGP has directed DIG Kwazhi and the deployed security forces to undertake a multi-faceted approach, focusing not only on suppressing the ongoing violence but also on proactively preventing future attacks.
“Upon arrival in Plateau State on Tuesday, 8th April 2025, DIG Kwazhi paid a courtesy visit on the Executive Governor of Plateau State, His Excellency, Barr. Caleb Mutfwang.
“During this meeting, DIG Kwazhi conveyed the IGP’s sincere condolences to the affected families and communities, as well as to the entire people of Plateau State.
“The meeting also served as an opportunity to assess the situation firsthand, delve into the root causes of the attacks, and collaboratively develop a sustainable, long-term solution to these senseless killings.
“The Nigeria Police Force, under the leadership of the Inspector-General of Police, remains fully committed to working in close collaboration with the Plateau State Government, community leaders, security agencies, and all relevant stakeholders to restore lasting peace and stability to the region.
“The NPF urges residents to cooperate with the police and other security agencies, providing any information that may assist in the ongoing investigation and efforts to maintain peace on the Plateau.“
