By Agboola Aluko, GLiDE NEWS
T he Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, has ordered the immediate deployment of specialized police tactical squads and surveillance equipment to volatile communities in Plateau State, following a spate of deadly attacks that have left scores dead and entire communities traumatized.
This urgent response follows the March 28 massacre in Bokkos Local Government Area, where at least 50 lives were lost and many others severely wounded during coordinated assaults by unidentified gunmen. The killings, which have since escalated across parts of the North Central state, have reignited national outrage and intensified fears over Nigeria's worsening insecurity.
In a statement issued Wednesday by Force Public Relations Officer, Olumuyiwa Adejobi, the police leadership confirmed that the deployment includes elite tactical units, surveillance drones, Armored Personnel Carriers (APCs), helicopters, and Special Intervention Squad platoons, all aimed at stabilizing the region and pursuing the perpetrators.
“The Inspector-General has tasked the Deputy Inspector-General of Police in charge of Operations, DIG Kwazhi Yakubu, to personally coordinate this high-level intervention and ensure a multi-dimensional strategy is implemented,” the statement said.
A Strategic Offensive to Stop the Bloodshed
The Inspector-General’s directive follows the repeated failure of conventional security efforts to curb violence in Plateau State. The newly deployed teams are expected to conduct special operations to halt the wave of attacks and re-establish control over affected communities.
DIG Yakubu, who arrived in Plateau on Tuesday, April 8, visited Governor Caleb Mutfwang in Jos to deliver the IGP’s condolences and reinforce the police’s commitment to restoring peace. The meeting, according to police sources, also aimed to explore long-term collaborative strategies between security agencies and local authorities.
“The recent escalation of violence began on March 28 when armed assailants launched a brutal assault in Bokkos. This marked the beginning of a horrifying pattern of attacks that have since devastated multiple communities,” the statement added.
‘Root Causes Must Be Addressed’
While the tactical response is underway, the police say their approach will also focus on preventive and intelligence-led operations to avoid future tragedies. The IG has emphasized working closely with community leaders, state officials, and federal security agencies to address root causes and ensure lasting peace.
The renewed wave of violence has prompted criticism of the federal government’s handling of rural security and has reignited debates about state policing. Plateau State has long been a flashpoint of ethno-religious tension, often exploited by criminal elements who act with impunity.
As the Nigeria Police Force intensifies operations in the region, residents are being urged to remain vigilant and cooperate with security personnel by sharing credible information that can aid investigations.
“We are committed to restoring calm and rebuilding trust. The people of Plateau deserve peace, and we will not rest until that peace is restored,” DIG Kwazhi reportedly told local leaders during his visit.
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