The Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Rilwan Disu, has undertaken a high-level operational visit to Plateau State, reinforcing federal authorities’ commitment to restoring stability following the recent deadly attack in Angwan Rukuba Community in Jos North Local Government Area.
The visit comes in the wake of the March 29, 2026 incident, which once again spotlighted the fragile security situation in parts of Plateau, a state that has long grappled with cycles of violence rooted in complex communal, ethnic, and socio-political tensions.
Upon arrival, the police chief met with Governor Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang, where he conveyed condolences on behalf of the Nigeria Police Force and the federal government. The meeting, described by insiders as both symbolic and strategic, underscored the need for alignment between political leadership and security agencies in addressing the crisis.
From there, Disu proceeded directly to Angwan Rukuba, the epicentre of the attack, conducting an on-the-spot assessment. The visit to the affected community was not merely ceremonial; it was aimed at gaining firsthand insight into the terrain, the scale of damage, and the immediate needs of residents, while also boosting public confidence in the security response.
The Inspector-General disclosed that the police had activated an immediate and coordinated operational response upon receiving distress calls from the area. This rapid deployment framework, he explained, reflects a shift towards more proactive and intelligence-driven policing in conflict-prone regions.
Central to the response was the deployment of senior operational commanders, including the Deputy Inspector-General of Police in charge of Operations, Usman Nadada, and the Assistant Inspector-General of Police overseeing the Police Mobile Force, Francis Iwu. Their presence on the ground was complemented by eight units of the Police Mobile Force, as well as the Special Intervention Squad and other specialised tactical and intelligence teams.
These units were deployed in collaboration with other security agencies, including the military, in what officials describe as a joint, multi-layered approach to crisis containment. The objective was not only to halt immediate violence but also to prevent escalation and retaliatory attacks, which have historically worsened similar crises in the state.
According to Disu, these combined efforts have led to a significant de-escalation of tensions in the affected communities. However, he cautioned that the situation remains delicate, requiring sustained vigilance and continuous engagement with local actors.
A key element of the ongoing strategy, the IGP noted, involves dialogue and community engagement. Security forces have been working closely with local government officials, traditional leaders, youth groups, and other stakeholders to rebuild trust, gather intelligence, and discourage further violence.
This dual approach—combining force with engagement—has become increasingly critical in Plateau, where mistrust and misinformation often fuel cycles of conflict. By involving community leaders, authorities hope to address underlying grievances while strengthening early warning systems against potential threats.
Despite the relative calm reported in recent days, Disu made it clear that operations are far from over. Intelligence-led efforts are ongoing to identify, track, and apprehend those responsible for the attack. He emphasised that the police would not relent until all perpetrators are brought to justice.
The Inspector-General also issued a stern warning against acts of vigilantism or reprisal attacks, particularly targeting youths in the state. He stressed that taking the law into one’s own hands would only deepen divisions and undermine the progress already made by security agencies.
“Any form of retaliation will only escalate tensions and reverse the gains achieved so far,” he warned, urging residents to cooperate with authorities and report suspicious activities through appropriate channels.
The Plateau crisis is part of a broader pattern of recurring violence that has plagued the state for decades, often linked to disputes over land, identity, and political representation. While successive governments have deployed security measures to contain outbreaks, long-term peace has remained elusive.
Observers note that the current intervention by the police leadership, coupled with increased federal attention, may signal a more coordinated and sustained effort to address both the symptoms and root causes of the conflict.
For many residents, however, the true test will lie not only in the restoration of immediate calm but in the ability of authorities to prevent future attacks and build a framework for lasting peace.
As operations continue, the presence of the Inspector-General on the ground serves as both a reassurance and a reminder of the urgency of the situation. With security forces maintaining a strong presence and investigations ongoing, the focus now shifts to ensuring accountability, sustaining peace, and rebuilding trust in communities long affected by violence.
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