by Christiana Gokyo, Jos
The Plateau State Commissioner of Police, CP Emmanuel Olugbmiga Adesina, has asserted that, “In today’s world, digital tools have become both a means of fostering peace and a vehicle for spreading insecurity. We must recognize the power these tools hold and use them effectively to safeguard our communities.
“Security agencies have significantly stepped up their use of digital tools in combating crime. However, the evolving nature of threats demands that we continue to adapt.”
He was speaking at the opening of a 3 days’ ‘Security Workshop’ in Jos the Plateau State on Tuesday, organised by the Plateau State Government in partnership with Nigeria Institute of Social Media Analysts, Police School of Public Relations and Institute of Conflict Management and Negotiation Analyst.
He said “Workshops like this provide a valuable platform to enhance our capabilities, develop new strategies, and improve collaboration across security agencies and community stakeholders.”
The CP further encouraged all participants to actively engage, share knowledge, and take back key learning to their respective institutions.
The General Officer Commanding (GOC) 3 Division, Nigerian Army, Commander Operation Safe Haven, Major-General EF Oyinlola, said “The workshop is both timely and essential, because communication has evolved beyond traditional methods, and we now face a reality where narratives shape security landscapes as much as physical threats.”
He noted that, “The rapid spread of misinformation and disinformation has intensified security challenges. Strategic deception is now a tool frequently used to manipulate public perception
“It is, therefore, imperative that security agencies adopt proactive digital communication strategies to counter falsehoods, build public trust, and strengthen intelligence gathering.
“Plateau State, despite its cultural richness and strategic significance, has experienced security challenges. However, through innovative approaches, technology, and collaboration among security agencies, community leaders, and the media, we can restore lasting peace,” he stated.
He added that, “As stakeholders, we must embrace the ethical use of digital tools in our operations, ensuring that our actions align with human rights principles and community trust-building efforts.”
The GOC further stated that, “Security is a shared responsibility, and no single agency can address it alone. We must work together – security forces, traditional rulers, religious leaders, civil society, and the media – to create a safer environment for all.
“This workshop is a call to action. I urge all participants to engage actively, share experiences, and develop actionable strategies that will make a difference,” he said, and assured that, the Nigerian Army remains committed to collaborative efforts in securing Plateau State and beyond.
Also speaking, the Gbong Gwom Jos, Da Jacob Gyang Buba (represented), said “The issue of security is one that affects us all, and communication remains a crucial tool in addressing insecurity.
“Our people have faced immense security challenges; lives have been lost, and communities have been displaced. We all have a role to play in mitigating these crises. As traditional leaders, we commend the efforts of this organization in bringing together key stakeholders to discuss digital strategies for security management.
“We recognize the power of social media in shaping public discourse. However, the lack of proper digital infrastructure, such as reliable networks and electricity, often poses challenges in utilizing these tools effectively.
“Despite these setbacks, we must continue to explore how digital platforms can be used to strengthen security coordination, intelligence sharing, and community engagement,” he stated.
The Gbong Gwom Jos urged all participants to take the workshop seriously and apply the knowledge gained in their respective communities. “Security is a collective effort, and we must work hand-in-hand with our security agencies to create a safer Plateau State,” he noted.