The Plateau State Government has demanded the immediate withdrawal of military personnel from communities repeatedly targeted by violent attacks.
The state government has urged the Federal Government to deploy Mobile Police Squads (MOPOL) in their place to enhance security responses across the state.
The call follows the latest deadly assault on villages in Riyom Local Government Area, where at least 27 people were killed earlier this week.
During a visit to the affected communities on Wednesday, Governor Caleb Mutfwang condemned the killings and accused security forces of failing to apprehend the perpetrators despite receiving prior intelligence.
In a statement issued Friday, Professor Chris Kwaja, Special Envoy on Peace and Security to the Governor, expressed the state government’s deep dissatisfaction with the performance of the military, particularly troops under Operation Safe Haven, the multi-agency task force responsible for maintaining peace in the state.
Prof. Kwaja described the military’s failure to prevent Tuesday night’s massacre as a serious lapse in operational efficiency, citing the presence of early warning signals that were allegedly ignored.
“The Federal Government must, as a matter of urgency, withdraw all military personnel stationed at flashpoints and replace them with Mobile Police Squads.
“This strategic shift is necessary to adopt a more responsive and effective security framework, especially in combating asymmetric warfare, which the MOPOL units are trained and better equipped to handle.” Kwaja said.
The Plateau State Government argues that MOPOL operatives are better suited for rapid response and community engagement.
The renewed demand comes amid mounting public frustration over the rising frequency and brutality of attacks in the state.
Civil society groups and community leaders have consistently called for a more accountable and people-centered security strategy, especially in vulnerable areas where residents say they feel abandoned.
