All 17 local government council chairmen in Plateau State have resolved to establish officially registered security outfits to assist regular security agencies in tackling crime and persistent attacks across their communities.
The decision was announced in Jos by the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Ephraim Gar, during a press briefing to present the findings of a statewide project inspection tour, according to Punch. The commissioner was joined at the briefing by the 17 council leaders.
Gar explained that the chairmen agreed to adopt the model currently operating in Wase Local Government Area. In Wase, the council chairman, Hamisu Anani, recently graduated 140 operatives under the Wase Rock Security Network Limited after they completed a three-month training programme handled by the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps.
The Wase council also equipped its outfit with two Toyota Hilux patrol vans and 25 motorcycles to assist with rapid response and field movements. Gar noted that having registered outfits in all councils would make it easier to share intelligence and collaborate with established security forces.
The statewide tour was carried out to inspect council-run projects across the three senatorial zones and ensure they align with the grassroots vision of Governor Caleb Mutfwang. Gar stated that the ministry assessed ongoing and finished works, confirming that funds allocated to the local administrations were put to proper use.
During the inspections, the team visited multiple facilities, including healthcare centres, youth centres, road projects, and community halls. In the southern area, the delegation checked progress on a mini stadium, legislative housing, CBT centres, and the Wase Rock Radio and Television Station, as well as support facilities for the army's motorcycle battalion. Other projects inspected in the central and northern zones included the 23-kilometre Gugur road, rural power schemes, and health centres across several communities.
