Why Plateau Rep Gagdi Is Pushing Back Against Gov Mutfwang’s State Police Proposal

Despite repeated calls by Plateau State Governor, Barr. Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang, for the creation of state police to tackle insecurity, Yusuf Gagdi, the lawmaker representing Pankshin/Kanke/Kanam Federal Constituency, has firmly rejected the idea.

During a visit on Sunday to communities in Kanam Local Government Area recently affected by violent attacks and displacement, Gagdi reiterated his opposition to state police, warning that such forces would likely be misused by governors to target political opponents rather than maintain law and order.

“Governors will misuse state police, particularly against political opponents,” Gagdi told journalists. “My position, even on the House floor, has remained consistent. Nigeria is not ready for the proliferation of security agencies.”

The federal lawmaker, who has spent over a decade in the House of Representatives, acknowledged the growing presence of armed bandits and militia groups in parts of his constituency, including Garga, Kukawa, Kyaram, Gyambau, Dungur, and Shuwaka. However, he insisted that the solution lies not in establishing state-controlled police forces but in properly funding and strengthening existing federal security agencies.

“I support the adequate funding of the police, military, Department of State Services (DSS), and other security agencies,” he stated. “What we need is accountability and capacity, not more layers of enforcement subject to political control.”

Gagdi emphasized that increasing resources for Nigeria’s current security apparatus would be more effective in addressing the insecurity plaguing Plateau State and other parts of the country.

He also called on the Federal Government and security agencies to launch comprehensive operations in the forests straddling Plateau, Taraba, and Bauchi States, which have become hideouts for criminal elements.