By Israel Adamu, Jos

Governor Caleb Mutfwang of Plateau State has declared that his administration will not negotiate with terrorists or criminal elements, insisting that government will sustain ongoing security operations to restore lasting peace across the state.

Mutfwang made the declaration on Friday in Jos while speaking during a Democracy Day Town Hall Meeting, where he also highlighted key interventions of his administration in agriculture, water infrastructure, security and social services. He maintained that engaging or negotiating with criminals remained off the table, stressing that security agencies must continue to take decisive action against perpetrators.

“Negotiating with criminals is not an option. “We will continue to push them out of our communities,” he said. The governor said his administration had intensified security operations across the state in collaboration with security agencies, community leaders and traditional institutions, noting that the strategy had begun to yield positive results in affected areas.

He explained that coordinated security operations had led to the arrest of several suspects linked to violent attacks, adding that the arrests were already opening new lines of investigation and providing useful intelligence to security agencies. Mutfwang said ongoing investigations were helping to uncover wider criminal networks behind some of the attacks, while government continued to support security agencies with logistics and intelligence gathering.

The governor commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for what he described as firm support and clear directives to security agencies in addressing insecurity across the country, noting that this had boosted operational response. He assured residents that although security challenges would not be resolved overnight, government remained determined to sustain operations until lasting peace is achieved across Plateau State.

Mutfwang also called for stronger collaboration with traditional rulers, religious leaders and community stakeholders in peacebuilding efforts. He said the state government had increased the procurement of fertiliser to support farmers, noting that about 5000 trucks had already been secured for distribution to boost agricultural productivity across the state. He explained that government was expanding its agricultural support programmes to strengthen food production and improve livelihoods, especially among rural farming communities.

Mutfwang also disclosed that his administration was making major investments in water infrastructure, describing water supply as a critical pillar of development. He said the government was currently executing a major water project valued at over N30 billion in Lantang South and Lantang North, alongside rehabilitation works at Yakubu Gowon Dam and Liberty Dam. According to him, additional water projects are being implemented in communities such as Madok Village to expand access to potable water, some of which are nearing completion and will soon be commissioned.

He said the interventions were aimed at addressing long-standing water challenges and improving living standards across the state.The governor said his administration remained committed to integrated development across agriculture, water, health, education and infrastructure, adding that sustained investment would improve the welfare of citizens.

He said Plateau must continue to project hope and positive narratives in order to attract investment, warning that negative perceptions about insecurity could undermine economic recovery efforts. According to him, the state is already witnessing renewed investor confidence, with increasing interest from local and foreign investors in key sectors of the economy.

Mutfwang disclosed that he recently participated in an investment forum in Lagos where he engaged United States representatives and other investors, noting that discussions reflected strong optimism about Plateau’s economic prospects. He said investors have indicated interest in major projects, including a proposed refinery and a modern abattoir, which he said would soon be flagged off. “One foreign national, after my presentation in Lagos, said to the government: I want to buy all your meat. This is exciting,” he said.

The governor maintained that despite security challenges, his administration remained focused on economic recovery, institutional reforms and rebuilding investor trust. He said since assuming office in May 2023, the administration had stabilised the civil service, strengthened fiscal discipline and improved governance systems inherited in a difficult financial situation.

Mutfwang disclosed that the state was confronted with salary arrears and limited financial capacity at inception, adding that prudent financial management had helped reposition Plateau State on a recovery path.

He noted that Plateau had exhausted its borrowing threshold at the time he assumed office, but said the administration was able to secure financial support from financial institutions to meet critical obligations. The governor said ongoing reforms had revitalised key sectors, particularly agriculture and infrastructure, aimed at stimulating economic activity and job creation across the state.

He reiterated that peace and security remain central to attracting investment, stressing that no meaningful economic growth can occur without stability. Mutfwang reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to creating an enabling environment for businesses, improving infrastructure and expanding economic opportunities for citizens.

He also called on Nigerians to continue to defend democracy, describing it as the foundation for economic growth, accountability and investor confidence. He said his government remained committed to transparency, fiscal responsibility and inclusive development as key pillars for sustained economic transformation in Plateau State.