Plateau announces war against terrorists following security council meeting

…Directs security agencies to reclaim ungoverned spaces

By Golok Nanmwa

JOS – The Plateau State Government has announced a “state of war with terrorists and enemies of the state,” pledging decisive measures in response to a series of coordinated attacks that have hit parts of the state over the past four months.

The proclamation followed an emergency meeting of the State Security Council convened on Tuesday by Governor Caleb Mutfwang at the Rayfield Government House in Jos.

Speaking to journalists after the session, Secretary to the State Government Samuel Jatau said the council had undertaken a thorough review of the current security climate and adopted extensive actions to protect lives and property.

“Rising from the meeting, the Plateau State Security Council held an emergency session where the current security situation in the state was critically deliberated,” Jatau said.

The gathering included senior security officials, the chairpersons of the 17 local government areas, and the Chairman of the Plateau State Joint Traditional Council, His Majesty the Gbong Gwom Jos, Da Jacob Gyang Buba.

Jatau noted that the state had been under siege for the previous four months, with clear signs of coordinated assaults.

To counter the threat, the council resolved to tighten enforcement of the bans on motorcycles, night grazing, and mining activities, which it identified as factors aggravating insecurity.

It also instructed security agencies to reclaim all ungoverned areas, government facilities, and public spaces, and approved additional logistical support—such as more motorcycles and vehicles—to boost operational capacity.

The council further agreed to enhance cooperation and intelligence sharing between local government security structures and community members.

Regarding public order, the council warned that any obstruction of highways would now be treated as a criminal offence, with perpetrators subject to prosecution.

It also emphasized the importance of securing farmlands ahead of the upcoming planting season to enable farmers to work safely.

Traditional institutions were put on notice, with the council urging traditional rulers to exercise stricter oversight over cultural associations operating within their jurisdictions.

Summarizing the situation, Jatau declared: “Plateau State is in a state of war with terrorists and enemies of the state.”
He added that the council remained fully committed to protecting the lives, property, and land of the people of Plateau State.

“As part of the broader crackdown, the government also declared war on drug dealers, carriers, and users across the state,” he said.

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