Mutfwang Inaugurates Advisory Committee On State Police

Governor Caleb Mutfwang has inaugurated a 14-member Advisory Committee on State Police as part of his efforts to strengthen the security architecture of Plateau State.

Mutfwang explained that the initiative followed the recent declaration by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on the need to deepen and strengthen Nigeria’s internal security framework through reforms that would enhance effective policing across the country.

He said the committee is expected to undertake a comprehensive review of the concept of state police within Nigeria’s federal structure and provide well-informed recommendations that will meaningfully contribute to ongoing national policy deliberations on the subject.

He emphasised that the committee’s work will help guide Plateau State in developing a pragmatic and workable framework that aligns with constitutional provisions, national security priorities, and the peculiar security realities of the state.

The committee comprises security experts, scholars and public policy practitioners who include DIG Habila Joshak (rtd) as the chairman. The members are  Brig. Gen. Gakji Shipi (rtd), AIG Bashir Makama (rtd),  Alhaji Ibrahim Sale Hassan,  Prof. Jamila Nasir, CP Gyang Chollom (rtd) and  AIG Dorothy Gimba (rtd).

Others are Prof. Chris Kwaja, Prof. Ezekiel Best, Mr Benjamin Osawe, Barr. Timothy Parlong, Hajiya Aishatu Damulak, Alhaji Isiyaku Inuwa Dananacha and Dr Julie Sanda, director-general, Plateau State Peace Building Agency — secretary

The committee’s  terms of reference include, to examine the constitutional, legal, and institutional frameworks governing policing in Nigeria and assess their implications for the establishment of state rolice; review existing national policy proposals, debates and recommendations relating to state police and determine their relevance to Plateau State; assess the prevailing security challenges facing Plateau State and evaluate the potential role of state police in addressing them and to conduct a feasibility study on the establishment, structure and operational viability of a Plateau State Police Service among others.

The chairman, DIG Habila Joshak (Rtd) while responding on behalf of members expressed appreciation to the Governor for the confidence reposed in them and assured that the committee would discharge its mandate diligently in the interest of peace, security, and sustainable development in Plateau State.