Plateau state is composed of 17 LGAs and its capital is Jos city. The state’s estimated population was 4 200 442 in 2016.

While Plateau state had been relatively peaceful until 2018, tensions were resurfacing due to farmer-herder conflicts. Farmers and herders constitute some of the main actors involved in the conflict in Plateau state. Local militias and vigilantes have also been involved in attacks in the state. State security forces have launched a joint task force operation to maintain peace in Plateau. However, it has been reported that they do not respond to stress calls or follow up on attacks.

In 2020, according to Nigeria Watch, Plateau was the state with the second highest number of fatalities due to herders-farmers clashes and one of the states with the highest fatalities due to ethno-communal clashes. Attacks by (suspected) herdsmen and by unidentified gunmen against local communities have resulted in casualties and destruction of properties.  In addition, fatalities were reported during clashes in relation to #EndSARS protests.

During 2020, ACLED reported a total of 63 security incidents (9 battles, 46 cases of violence against civilians, 8 incidents of riots) in Plateau state (average of 1.2 security incidents per week). Security incidents took place in 11 out of 17 LGAs, with the largest overall number (13) being recorded in the LGA of Barkin Ladi. 

The abovementioned security incidents resulted in 151 deaths. Compared to the estimated population in the state, this represents approximately 4 fatalities per 100 000 inhabitants.

From 1 January to 30 April 2021, ACLED reported a total of 15 security incidents (3 battles, 11 cases of violence against civilians, 1 incident of riots) in Plateau state (average of 0.9 security incidents per week). These security incidents resulted in 45 deaths.

The total number of IDPs for Plateau state by December 2020 was 84 979, which represents an increase of 5 % compared to data collected in July 2020. No specific data were found for Plateau state with regard to the number of returnees.

The Keffi-Jos road in Plateau state is described as very dangerous for travellers, due to the presence of armed robbers and kidnappers.