The Plateau State Commissioner of Police, Ayodeji Faniyan, has warned residents against taking the law into their own hands, stressing that jungle justice is a criminal offence that could attract charges of culpable homicide if it leads to the death of a suspect.
Faniyan issued the warning during his maiden press briefing in Jos, where he expressed concern over the growing trend of members of the public apprehending alleged criminals and subjecting them to torture, assault and other degrading treatment.
He said the police would not tolerate such acts under his leadership, adding that anyone involved in jungle justice would be prosecuted according to the law.
“I wish to state unequivocally that jungle justice is a criminal act, and where it results in the death of a suspect, constitutes culpable homicide.
“Under my watch, the command will treat all cases of jungle justice with the seriousness it deserves, and perpetrators will be made to face the full weight of the law,” he said.
The police commissioner urged residents to report suspected criminal activities to the police and other relevant security agencies instead of attempting to punish suspects themselves. He also advised members of the public to hand over arrested suspects to law enforcement authorities for proper investigation and prosecution.
Faniyan also confirmed that the command had arrested suspects linked to an alleged attempt to kidnap the wives of the current and former Anglican Bishops of Jos.
According to him, the suspects are currently being interrogated, while investigations are ongoing to establish their level of involvement in the alleged plot.
“As regards the case of attempted kidnap of the wives of the current and former Bishop of Jos, Anglican Communion, we have arrested the suspects and they are currently in our custody.
“We are investigating their involvement in the incident and at the end of the investigation, they will be charged to court if found culpable.”
Faniyan said police vigilance helped uncover the alleged kidnapping plan before it was carried out, assuring that the investigation would be conducted thoroughly.
The commissioner assumed office on August 11, 2026, as the 47th Commissioner of Police in Plateau State. He said his administration would focus on intelligence-led, proactive and technology-based policing to tackle insecurity and protect residents.
He identified terrorism, kidnapping and violent crimes among the major threats the command would confront, warning criminals that they would not be allowed to operate with impunity.
Faniyan said his goal was “to make policing in Plateau State a positive model for others.”
He further promised that the command would uphold human rights while ensuring professionalism, accountability, integrity and respect for the rule of law.
The CP also announced a zero-tolerance policy for corruption and misconduct within the police force.
“There will be zero tolerance for corruption and unprofessionalism. We are waging total war against corruption and unprofessional behaviour,” he said.
He disclosed plans to strengthen the command’s anti-vice squads and expand public complaint channels to make it easier for residents to report misconduct by police officers.
Faniyan also stressed the importance of collaboration among security agencies, saying intelligence sharing and coordinated operations were essential to tackling insecurity.
Community policing, he said, would be given greater attention, with traditional rulers, religious leaders, civil society groups, vigilantes and other community stakeholders expected to play active roles in the state’s security structure.
The commissioner also pledged to maintain an open-door policy and strengthen the command’s relationship with the media to ensure the public receives accurate and timely information.
On technology, Faniyan noted that criminals were increasingly using sophisticated weapons and digital tools, making it necessary for police officers to continuously improve their operational capabilities.
He revealed that the Plateau Command had received additional personnel, equipment and logistics from the Force Headquarters but appealed for more resources to enable the police effectively address the state’s security challenges.
The CP called on residents to support the command by providing useful information about criminal activities.
“Security thrives on information. Give us timely and credible information, cooperate with our officers, and together we will make Plateau State the safest state in Nigeria,” he said.
