Prominent Islamic cleric from Plateau State, Sheikh Sani Yahaya Jingir, has strongly opposed the federal government’s plan to create a state police to support existing security agencies in tackling insecurity.
Recall that last week, President Bola Tinubu called on the National Assembly to amend the constitution to allow for state police, citing rising insecurity across the country.
Speaking at a programme in Jos on Sunday, the 1st of March, 2026, Sheikh Jingir, who is also the National Chairman of the Council of Ulama, Jama’atu Izalatul Bid’ah Wa’Ikamatis Sunnah, warned that creating state-controlled security units in politically sensitive areas like Plateau State could be exploited by politicians to destabilise the state and target rivals.
He said his opposition stems from concerns that local actors might use state police to intimidate settlers and force them out of the region.
Sheikh Jingir further alleged that certain political figures in Plateau are leveraging the push for state police to disrupt the fragile peace and target people who do not share their views.
He stressed the importance of prioritising peace and stability over partisan agendas and urged continuous dialogue among communities to maintain harmony.
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“Some issues, they will pretend as if everything has gone down, but they will just raise them when the security outfit is established,” he said.
He also questioned the plan rhetorically: “They say they should establish police in every state. If anyone says he will accept this, are we going to accept it?”
Worshippers responded in unison, chanting: “Not at all.”
Directing his remarks to President Tinubu, Sheikh Jingir added: “You know how they cheated us. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, some of these politicians are not as good as you, they are not as good as someone like Kashim Shettima.
“Wallahi, if you grant them the permission to establish police, they will start killing those who are not inclined towards their political ideology.”