In a renewed effort to tackle insecurity, prevent insurgent attacks and protect lives and property, the Chairman of Wase Local Government Area of Plateau State, Dr. Hamisu Anani, has established a community-based security outfit, known as the “Wase Security Network” with 130 personnel recruited and trained for the task.
The initiative is aimed at strengthening grassroots security through local intelligence gathering, early warning mechanisms, community engagement and collaboration with conventional security agencies to address persistent security threats in the area.
The newly recruited personnel underwent three months of intensive training conducted by the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) before their passing-out parade in Jos on Tuesday.
Speaking at the ceremony, Dr. Anani said the initiative was driven by his administration’s determination to promote peaceful coexistence and provide a safer environment for residents across Wase communities.
He explained that the security network was established to complement the efforts of conventional security agencies rather than operate independently of them.
”Distinguished guests, I wish to reaffirm our administration’s commitment to providing the necessary support for effective security operations across Wase Local Government Area.
”Our security network is therefore designed to complement the efforts of established security agencies by providing local intelligence, early warning information, community engagement and support for lawful security operations,” Anani stated.
He added that the passing-out parade was not merely the conclusion of a training programme but the beginning of a renewed commitment to community safety, responsible citizenship and sustainable peace.
”Today, we are not simply celebrating the completion of a training programme. We are celebrating the birth of a stronger commitment to community safety, responsible citizenship and sustainable peace,” he said.
The council chairman charged the personnel to discharge their responsibilities with discipline, diligence and professionalism, stressing the need to respect human rights and avoid taking the law into their own hands.
He urged them to work closely with conventional security forces and prioritise the protection of farmers, traders and other residents across Wase communities.
Anani assured the personnel that his administration would provide the necessary logistical and operational support to enable them to perform their duties effectively.
As part of the government’s commitment to ensuring their mobility and rapid response to security threats, the newly established outfit was provided with 25 motorcycles and two operational vehicles.
The chairman said the initiative was also intended to complement the efforts of the Plateau State Government in its determination to safeguard lives and property across the state.
In his remarks, Governor Caleb Mutfwang commended and congratulated Anani for taking the initiative to establish a local security structure aimed at addressing security challenges and protecting residents of Wase.
The governor, who was represented by the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Ephraim Usman, said the state government was proud of the commitment demonstrated by council chairmen towards promoting development and improving the welfare and security of their people.
He urged the newly trained personnel to complement the efforts of conventional security agencies, particularly in intelligence gathering and community-based security operations.
Usman reiterated that the protection of lives and property remained a major priority of the Mutfwang administration, assuring that the government would continue to support initiatives capable of strengthening security across the state.
Also speaking, the Emir of Wase, Alhaji Haruna Sambo, who represented the Gbong Gwom Jos chairman council of chiefs and Emirs in Plateau state, and chaired the occasion, appreciated government, individuals and organisations that contributed to the successful training of the personnel.
He urged the newly recruited security operatives to remain committed, disciplined and diligent in the discharge of their responsibilities.
The personnel were also presented with specialised motorcycles to enhance their mobility and enable them to access difficult terrains, particularly remote communities where conventional security operations may face logistical challenges.
