…with inauguration of Advisory Committee.
by Christiana Gokyo, Jos
A 14-member State Advisory Committee on State Police in Plateau State has been inaugurated as part of efforts to strengthen the security architecture of the state.
During the inauguration, Governor Caleb Manasseh 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 emphasized 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 distinguished security experts, scholars, and public policy practitioners, with notable persons as: DIG Habila Joshak (Rtd) as the Chairman; Brig-Gen. Gakji Shipi (Rtd) Member; AIG Bashir Makama (Rtd) Member; Alh. Ibrahim Sale Hassan, Member; Prof. Jamila Nasir, Member; CP Gyang Chollom (Rtd) Member; AIG Dorothy Gimba (Rtd) Member, and Prof. Chris Kwaja, Member.
Others include: Prof. Ezekiel Best, Member; Mr. Benjamin Osawe, Member; Barr. Timothy Parlong, Member; Hajiya Aishatu Damulak, Member; Alh. Isiyaku Inuwa Dananacha, Member, and Dr. Julie Sanda, Director-General, Plateau State Peace Building Agency as the Secretary.
The Committee’s Terms of Reference include: “Examine the constitutional, legal, and institutional frameworks governing policing in Nigeria and assess their implications for the establishment of State Police.”
The committee is also expected to “review existing national policy proposals, debates, and recommendations relating to State Police and determine their relevance to Plateau State.”
It is equally expected to “assess the prevailing security challenges facing Plateau State and evaluate the potential role of State Police in addressing them, and conduct a feasibility study on the establishment, structure, and operational viability of a Plateau State Police Service.”
The committee is also expected to “recommend an appropriate institutional and operational framework for State Police, including command structure, recruitment, training, discipline, and professional standards.”
Furthermore, it is also to give “advice on mechanisms for effective cooperation and coordination between State Police and federal security agencies, as well as other relevant institutions.”
In responding on behalf of the committee, the Chairman, DIG Habila Joshak (Rtd), 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.