Plateau's New CP Faniyan Ayodeji Promises Tough Stance on Crime, Mob Attacks

Plateau State has welcomed its new Commissioner of Police, CP Faniyan Ayodeji, who immediately articulated his vision for a transformed police force. During his inaugural address at the Police Command headquarters in Jos, CP Ayodeji expressed his determination to establish Plateau as a benchmark for effective policing nationwide. His strategy is built on core principles: upholding human rights, eradicating corruption, fostering robust community engagement, and leveraging technology to combat criminal activities.

The Commissioner issued a stern caution to officers, warning against any acts of brutality or excessive force. He emphasized that the Command’s credibility hinges on its professionalism, transparency, and compassionate interaction with the public, which are crucial for building trust.

Addressing the alarming rise in mob violence, CP Ayodeji delivered a clear message to residents: “Jungle Justice is a criminal act and where it results in death, it constitutes culpable homicide.” He underscored that individuals involved in such acts would face the full force of the law and implored citizens to entrust apprehended suspects to official security agencies.

Regarding the forthcoming elections, the Commissioner announced a crucial stakeholders' meeting scheduled for next Tuesday. This gathering aims to establish clear guidelines for political campaigns and mitigate potential clashes. He reassured political parties of the police force's unwavering neutrality and commitment to fairness, adding that key flashpoints across the state have already been identified. “We will deploy all security assets. We will not take anything to chance,” he affirmed, stressing the thoroughness of their preparations.

CP Ayodeji also disclosed a recent operational success, revealing that proactive intelligence efforts had thwarted an attempted abduction targeting the wives of several bishops. The suspects involved in this foiled plot are currently in custody. Providing an update on crime statistics since July, the Command reported the arrest of 30 suspects, the recovery of four rifles, the seizure of 30 rounds of ammunition, and the neutralization of one suspect.

Furthermore, the Commissioner outlined plans for stricter enforcement of motorcycle and vehicle regulations in anticipation of heightened political activities. He assured the public that this operation would be conducted with fairness and transparency, explicitly stating it would “not be a means to harass the public.” CP Ayodeji concluded his address by appealing to residents for their crucial support through credible information, believing that such collaboration is essential to making Plateau State the safest in Nigeria.