In a major step toward addressing the escalating insecurity across Plateau State, the Gideon & Funmi Para-Mallam Peace Foundation, in collaboration with the Plateau Peace Practitioners Network (PPPN), hosted a high-level One-Day Roundtable Dialogue on community and state policing as practical solutions to Nigeria’s overstretched centralized security system.
Held in Jos, the roundtable gathered a diverse group of stakeholders, including security operatives, government officials, traditional and religious leaders, civil society organizations, and members of conflict-affected communities. Discussions focused on the growing relevance and feasibility of community-based security initiatives.
In his opening remarks, Dr. Gideon Para-Mallam, renowned peace advocate and President of the Foundation, described the devastating human cost of ongoing violence in the state. He called for urgent reforms in Nigeria’s internal security framework, urging a shift toward inclusive, locally owned policing models that empower communities.
Delivering the keynote address, former Inspector General of Police, Dr. Solomon Arase, presented a detailed framework for community policing built on four core pillars: collaboration, intelligence-sharing, accountability, and public trust. While optimistic about the model’s potential, Dr. Arase also highlighted systemic challenges such as underfunding, political interference, and inter-agency rivalry.
Plateau State Governor, His Excellency Barr. Caleb M. Mutfwang, and Deputy Governor, Her Excellency Ngo Josephine Piyo, attended as special guests. In his address, Governor Mutfwang criticized elite-driven narratives that distort the causes and impact of insecurity, urging leaders to demonstrate integrity and empathy. He reiterated his administration’s commitment to strengthening grassroots security measures and praised the Foundation’s consistent peacebuilding efforts.
Goodwill messages from other dignitaries underlined the shared commitment to sustainable peace. Dr. Julie Sanda, Director General of the Plateau Peace Building Agency (PPBA), emphasized the need to integrate traditional institutions into modern security structures. Plateau State Commissioner of Police, CP E.O. Adesina, reaffirmed efforts to strengthen civil-security cooperation, while General Mo Agi of Operation Safe Haven discussed the military’s evolving support for local peace frameworks.
A notable highlight of the event was a panel discussion moderated by Prof. Funmi Para-Mallam, mni, featuring respected voices across security, traditional leadership, and faith-based communities. Speakers included:
HRH Alh. Dr. Muhammad Sambo Haruna (Emir of Wase), who stressed the crucial role of traditional rulers in local peace efforts;
HRH Yakubu Chimang (Ata Atang of Ganawuri), who advocated for inter-ethnic dialogue platforms;
Rev. Dunka Gomwalk, who explored theological perspectives on justice and peace;
Brig. Gen. Gakji Goshwe Shipi, Commander of Operation Rainbow, who provided insights into community-based early warning systems.
One of the most powerful segments, “Voices from the Field,” featured testimonies from survivors and local peacebuilders in conflict hotspots such as Mangu, Bokkos, Barkin-Ladi, and Bassa. Their moving stories of trauma, resilience, and reconciliation brought human depth to the broader policy discussions.
The dialogue ended with key recommendations to strengthen community policing across Plateau State:
Legal and Institutional Support for local security frameworks;
Technology Integration for improved intelligence and responsiveness;
Training and Capacity Building for local peace actors and vigilantes;
Enhanced Coordination between security agencies and community groups;
Survivor-Centered Approaches prioritizing healing and reintegration;
Sustainable Peacebuilding that embeds community policing into long-term conflict resolution strategies.
Organizers described the event as a timely and inclusive intervention aimed at rethinking Nigeria’s internal security model. With insecurity continuing to evolve, the Gideon & Funmi Para-Mallam Peace Foundation and the PPPN reaffirmed their unwavering commitment to grassroots-driven peace efforts.
“Security is not solely the duty of government—it is a shared responsibility,” Dr. Gideon Para-Mallam concluded.
