The Plateau State Peace Building Agency (PPBA) on Thursday, 11th December 2025, hosted the December edition of the Plateau Peace Architecture Forum (PPAF) at the FOX Hotel, Jos, bringing together top government officials, security operatives, traditional leaders, civil society actors, and community representatives. With the theme “Strengthening Community Security Provisioning for the Festive Season and Beyond: Enhancing Preparedness, Collaboration and Community Resilience,” the forum sought to harmonize strategies for safeguarding Plateau communities during the high-risk festive period. The gathering aligns with the Agency’s vision for a united, stable and inclusive Plateau at peace with itself and the rest of the world.
The Director General of the Plateau Peace Building Agency, Dr. Julie Sanda, welcomed participants and emphasized the importance of closing the year with a strategic security dialogue. She praised communities, civil society, traditional institutions, and security agencies for showing resilience amid evolving national security challenges. Dr. Sanda highlighted the need for clearer communication and deeper understanding of recent security restructuring, especially the transition from Operation Safe Haven to Operation Enduring Peace. She stressed that proactive planning, early warning systems, and strengthened state, community collaboration are essential to preventing insecurity during the festive season.
Representing the Secretary to the Government of Plateau State, Gayi Timothy Gayi delivered a goodwill message noting the timeliness of the forum. He emphasized that security must be a shared responsibility and urged all community actors to work hand-in-hand with government and security agencies to maintain safety across the state. He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to supporting all initiatives that promote stability and peaceful coexistence.
The Chairman of the House Committee on Security and Peace, represented by Mafeng David Bot, also conveyed goodwill from Hon. Joe Bukar. He underscored the increasing security pressures associated with festive activities and called for deeper collaboration among residents, traditional institutions, and peace actors. He encouraged participants to adopt proactive, community-centered approaches that build resilience and reduce vulnerabilities.
From Operation Rainbow, Benjamin Yaktal, representing the Director of Administration, commended the PPBA for convening the forum at a critical period. He urged stakeholders to take lessons back to their communities, stressing that grassroots vigilance and quick reporting remain the most effective tools for preventing crime during the holidays.
Also speaking, the President of the Plateau Peace Practitioners Network, Bali D. Nanman, praised PPBA for sustaining the monthly forum throughout the year. He reiterated the need for participants to cascade discussions and security tips to their various constituencies, especially as the Yuletide season often records increased criminal activities.
The Commissioner for Transportation, Davou Jatau Gyang, highlighted the prevalence of accidents, kidnappings, and attacks during festive periods. He called for stronger community awareness and a deeper culture of early warning at the grassroots to ensure a safer environment for all travelers and families.
The Keynote Speaker, Brig. Gen. M. S. Sule, representing the Commander of Operation Enduring Peace, Maj. Gen. E. F. Oyinlola, delivered an extensive presentation on “The Role of Operation Enduring Peace in Security Provisioning in Plateau State.” He outlined the mandate of the newly restructured operation, key operational changes from Operation Safe Haven, current deployment strategies, expectations for communities during the festive season, and practical pathways for community collaboration.
A second major presentation was delivered by Rev. Dr. Gideon Para-Mallam of the Funmi and Gideon Para-Mallam Foundation on “Strengthening Community Security Provisioning for the Festive Season and Beyond.” He emphasized peace education, trust-building, and inter-community collaboration.
Brig. Gen. Gakji Shipi (Rtd.), Coordinator of Operation Rainbow, represented by Benjamin Yaktal, spoke on Improving Community Security Provisioning and Early Warning, highlighting the importance of timely reporting and coordinated response.
A robust panel discussion followed, featuring security agencies, youth representatives, and women leaders who analyzed prevailing security trends and practical community-led solutions.
The action points session, coordinated by Kenneth Dakop with support from Hope Chuwang, highlighted key recommendations including:
Strengthening partnerships and collaboration
Knowing your neighbors
When you see something, say something
Deepening community engagements
Sustained dialogue
Reporting suspicious individuals to security outfits
Maintaining vigilance across communities
The forum concluded with a renewed commitment to building a more secure, resilient, and peaceful Plateau as the festive season approaches.
