Full Speech Delivered By Honourable Minister Of Information And National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, At Press Conference On Plateau State Security

Orientation, Mohammed Idris, at Press Conference on Plateau State Security At a press briefing held at Radio House, Abuja, on Tuesday, March 31, 2026, the Honourable Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, FNIPR, addressed the security situation in Plateau State following a deadly attack in Angwan Rukuba, Jos North Local Government Area. The event, which claimed numerous lives and drew national concern, was discussed in detail by the minister, who spoke on behalf of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, and the Federal Government of Nigeria. The Minister began by expressing the Federal Government’s deep concern over the tragic incident in Plateau State, extending heartfelt condolences to the victims’ families, the Plateau State Government and its people. He emphasised that the attack — in which gunmen reportedly ambushed residents in Angwan Rukuba on Palm Sunday night was a criminal act within a conflict‑prone community and should not be misinterpreted as a systemic national security breakdown. “These heinous actions do not reflect a collapse of our national security architecture, but they are lamentable criminal acts that have been met with a decisive response,” Idris said. “On behalf of President Tinubu and the Federal Government, we send our condolences and stand with the people of Plateau in this difficult time.” Idris assured Nigerians that security agencies responded immediately following distress calls from the affected areas. Under Operation Enduring Peace, troops and allied security forces were mobilised to the scene, where they cordoned off access routes, secured key points and launched targeted search‑and‑clearance operations to prevent further escalation and apprehend perpetrators. “The swift response underscores the seriousness with which the Federal Government is treating this matter and its firm commitment to ensuring that all necessary actions are taken promptly and effectively,” Idris stated. The Minister disclosed that President Tinubu convened a high‑level meeting with top security and intelligence chiefs to review the Plateau situation and coordinate further decisive steps toward peace and security. He also confirmed that Governor Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang of Plateau State has been invited by the President for further consultations. The outcome of that engagement is expected to be shared in due course.

He added that the federal response is part of a broader security architecture deployed across Plateau and the North‑Central region to check criminal activity and protect communities. Idris noted that the Plateau State Government took complementary measures, including imposing a 48‑hour curfew in parts of Jos North to stabilise the region and support ongoing security operations. He emphasised that federal and state authorities are working closely with security agencies to prevent reprisals, restore calm and facilitate investigations. Throughout his address, the Minister urged Nigerians to remain calm, law‑abiding and supportive of security operations, warning against the spread of unverified information that could heighten tension or undermine peace efforts. He reiterated that “the Federal Government will continue to act decisively, in collaboration with the Plateau State Government and all stakeholders, to ensure lasting peace and security.” “Nigeria will not bow to criminal elements,” Idris said. “We will protect our people, and we will prevail. Our unity remains strong, and we must all work together to sustain peace and stability across the country.”

He further reaffirmed that those responsible for the attack will be identified, apprehended and brought to justice, emphasising the government’s commitment to accountability and long‑term stability. The Minister also highlighted ongoing intelligence gathering, inter‑agency coordination and reinforced patrols designed to pre‑empt and disrupt future threats.