Speaker of the Plateau State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Naanlong Daniel Gapyil, has backed Governor Caleb Mutfwang’s renewed call for the creation of state police, saying it is time to rethink Nigeria’s security structure in the face of persistent attacks across the country.
In an open letter addressed to the National Assembly and dated 24th September 2025, the Speaker did not mince words in describing the current security architecture as grossly inadequate, particularly for vulnerable communities in Plateau State.
“Despite substantial allocations to security agencies, Nigerians continue to live in fear,” he wrote. “In Plateau State alone, places like Bokkos, Barkin Ladi, Bassa, Mangu, Riyom, Wase, Qua’an Pan, and Jos South have suffered repeated attacks. The impact on survivors from health and education to food security and trauma – is heartbreaking.”
According to him, the creation of state police will bring security closer to the people, empower governors to take responsibility for internal peace, and lead to more effective responses.
“State police would allow for rapid response, improved community policing, and a deeper understanding of regional security challenges,” he stated.
Acknowledging concerns around misuse of power, Gapyil assured that with the right accountability systems and training, state policing could be both effective and law-abiding.
He called on lawmakers to rise above politics, saying, “Let us put aside political differences and prioritize the safety and security of our citizens. The interest and survival of our people in Plateau State should guide our actions.”
The Speaker’s position strengthens the momentum behind Governor Mutfwang’s push for decentralised policing and reflects a shared resolve by Plateau’s leadership to protect vulnerable communities.
“Creating state police is not just about security it’s about survival, especially for communities that continue to suffer silently,” Gapyil concluded.
However, not all lawmakers from the state are on the same page. Hon. Yusuf Gagdi, who represents Pankshin/Kanke/Kanam Federal Constituency, has publicly opposed the idea of state police, warning that it could be misused by governors to target political opponents.
He argued that the country is not yet ready for such decentralisation and instead called for reforms within the existing federal policing framework.
Meanwhile, security experts say that with proper structures, state policing remains a viable path toward peace. They believe that integrating community-based approaches and learning from federal systems in other countries can help Nigeria improve its internal security response without sacrificing accountability.
