PLATEAU STATE PEACE BUILDING AGENCY HOSTS STRATEGIC FORUM TO ENHANCE FESTIVE SECURITY

The Plateau State Peace Building Agency hosted a strategic stakeholder engagement themed “Strengthening Community Security Provisioning for the Festive Season and Beyond: Enhancing Preparedness, Collaboration, and Community Resilience.” Held at Fox Hotel, Jos, the forum brought together security agencies, community leaders, civil society organisations, and government representatives to deepen dialogue and improve coordinated security efforts ahead of the festivities and into the new year.

The event opened with a welcome address by Dr. Julie Sanda, Director General of the Plateau State Peace Building Agency. She stated that this final PPAP meeting of the year seeks to reinforce Plateau State’s growing culture of collaboration. She highlighted the state’s resilience, recent proactive community-level efforts, and the need to strengthen early-warning mechanisms and coordinated response structures. Additionally, she stressed the importance of better understanding the mandate of Operation Enduring Peace and the ongoing reforms within Operation Rainbow, noting that engagements like this are crucial for enhancing preparedness and community resilience.

Similarly, Mr. Nanmak D. Bali, President of the Plateau Peace Practitioners’ Network, welcomed participants to the December edition of the forum. He commended the PPBA and its Director General for sustaining the monthly sessions throughout the year. According to him, the consistent sharing of ideas has greatly strengthened security, especially as the Yuletide period often witnesses a rise in criminal activity. He therefore encouraged participants to cascade the insights gained back to their communities to reinforce grassroots security.

In the same vein, Mr. Benjamin Yaktal, Director of Administration at Operation Rainbow, noted that the festive period typically presents increased security challenges, as some individuals may attempt to engage in crime for quick financial gain. He urged security agencies to intensify their vigilance and called on participants to sensitise their communities on emerging security trends. He further emphasized the pivotal role of vigilante groups as the first responders who best understand local terrains.

Representing the Commissioner of Police, DCP Nengi Jephthan commended the forum’s consistency, describing it as vital to sustaining peace across communities. He encouraged participants to take the discussions seriously, noting that prioritizing security during the festive season is a shared duty. He expressed optimism that the panel session would yield guidance beneficial to Plateau State’s overall safety.

Also speaking, Mafeng David Bot, representing Hon. Joseph Bukar, conveyed warm greetings and reiterated the timeliness of the forum. He emphasized that community security demands collective responsibility, beginning from homes, extending to neighborhoods, and reinforced by institutional collaboration. He applauded the Peace Building Agency for promoting dialogue and urged participants to engage actively, as the insights shared would strengthen early warning systems and enhance community resilience.

Furthermore, Hon. Jatau Davou, Commissioner for Transport, described the forum as critical, given the surge in insecurity and road accidents associated with the Yuletide season. He stressed the importance of grassroots early-warning structures and encouraged participants to share the knowledge acquired with their communities. According to him, continued vigilance and collaboration are essential in building long-term security consciousness in the state.

Delivering the Plateau State Government’s goodwill message, Gayi Timothy, Permanent Secretary on Policy and General Services, underscored the forum’s relevance as the state approaches a period characterized by heightened movement and potential threats. He reiterated that security is a collective responsibility built on preparedness, collaboration, and resilience. Applauding the Peace Building Agency for strengthening dialogue and partnerships, he highlighted the need to improve early-warning systems, rapid response, and community cohesion. He assured participants of the government’s unwavering support for all peace-building initiatives.

The keynote presentation was delivered by Maj. Gen. E. F. Oyilola, represented by Brig. Gen. M. S. Sule, who spoke extensively on the role of Operation Enduring Peace in Plateau State’s security architecture. He elaborated on the operation’s mandate, its restructured approach to community cooperation, and its heightened focus on intelligence-driven deployment during the festive season.

In addition, Rev. Dr. Gideon Para-Mallam addressed the theme of strengthening community security for the festive season and beyond, stressing moral responsibility, inter-community trust-building, and the importance of proactive vigilance. Mr. Benjamin Yaktal, representing Brig. Gen. Gakji Shipi (rtd), further discussed improving community security provision and early-warning systems, while Hope Chuwang of PSPBA presented the outcomes from the Northern Zone Community Security Dialogue with focus on Riyom and Bassa LGAs.

A panel session, moderated by Jennifer Yerima, examined prevailing security trends and actionable measures communities can adopt. Panelists drawn from the DSS, Operation Rainbow, Nigeria Police Force, Nigerian Forest Security Service, women’s groups, and youth representatives shared insights on intelligence gathering, community-police partnerships, rapid response, and the role of gender and youth inclusion in security management. They highlighted the importance of trust-building, timely reporting, and strengthening vigilante structures.

Participants agreed on several action points, including:
– Strengthening partnership and coordination among communities and security agencies
– Being one another’s keeper
– Reporting unfamiliar faces and suspicious activities
– Enhancing community policing efforts
– Monitoring mining sites and ungoverned spaces
– Sustained sensitization and capacity-building at community level


The event drew participants from the military, civil defence, Nigeria Police Force, Correctional Centre, Forest Security Service, Vigilante groups, youth and women leaders, Operation Rainbow, Road Safety Corps, and NDLEA, demonstrating multisectoral commitment to peace and security.

On behalf of the Plateau State Peace Building Agency, Mr. Nantip Joseph sincerely appreciate all  distinguished guests, security agencies, community leaders, and partners for honoring today’s engagement with their presence and invaluable contributions. He stated that their active participation reflects a shared commitment to building a safer and more resilient Plateau.

As we approach the festive season, let us carry forward the lessons, action points, and renewed partnerships forged here. Together, we can improve early-warning systems, strengthen collaboration, and ensure peaceful, secure communities. I wish everyone journey mercies, a Merry Christmas, and a prosperous New Year. Thank you, and God bless Plateau State.