The newly deployed Commissioner of Police in Plateau State, CP Faniyan Ayodeji, has assumed duty as the 47th Commissioner of Police in the state, pledging to strengthen police-community relations and consolidate efforts to protect lives and property.
Faniyan formally took over the leadership of the Plateau State Police Command on Tuesday, bringing more than three decades of experience in policing, crime investigation, peacekeeping and internal security.
In a statement issued by the Command’s Police Public Relations Officer, SP Alfred Alabo, the new commissioner was described as an experienced security professional and peace builder with extensive operational, investigative and strategic leadership experience.
Born on February 8, 1967, CP Faniyan holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Zoology from Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, and a Master’s degree in Security and Strategic Studies from the Nigerian Defence Academy, Kaduna.
He joined the Nigeria Police Force in 1994 as a Cadet Assistant Superintendent of Police and emerged as the overall best cadet in academics.
Faniyan is also a Fellow of the National Defence College and has attended several strategic and professional courses, including the Higher Defence and Strategic Studies Course at the National Defence College, Abuja; Tactical Leadership and Command Course at the Police Staff College, Jos; and Strategic Leadership Course at the National Institute of Police Studies.
According to the statement, the new Plateau police commissioner has served in various operational, investigative and administrative capacities within and outside Nigeria.
His previous appointments include Commander of the Nigerian Contingent in the United Nations Peacekeeping Mission in South Sudan from 2015 to 2017; Team Leader of the IGP Special Investigation Unit at Force Headquarters, Abuja; Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of Investigations at Zone 5 Headquarters, Benin City, from 2023 to 2025; and Commissioner of Police, Administration, at the Nigeria Police Force Cooperative Multipurpose Society Ltd., Lagos.
He also participated in United Nations peacekeeping operations in Timor-Leste and South Sudan, where he received commendations for professionalism, dedication to duty and the protection of civilians.
The Command said Faniyan’s policing philosophy is anchored on discipline, integrity, community partnership, respect for human rights, and the protection of lives and property.
“As the 47th Commissioner of Police, CP Faniyan is here to build on the achievements of previous administrations, strengthen police-community relations and consolidate ongoing efforts towards ensuring that Plateau State remains safe and secure for all residents,” the statement said.
The new commissioner appealed for the support and cooperation of the Plateau State Government, traditional rulers, religious leaders, youth organisations, community leaders, civil society organisations, the media and residents in sustaining peace and public safety.
The Command also assured residents that it would continue to collaborate with relevant stakeholders to address security challenges, prevent crime and maintain law and order across the state.
