By faith Chondol
Coalition of indigenous youth organisations in Plateau has defended the operations of the Department of State Services (DSS), Mobile Police Force and Operation Rainbow, dismissing allegations of bias and extrajudicial actions against Fulani communities.
The coalition made its position known at a news conference on Tuesday 21 October, 2026 at the National Secretariat of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) in FCT Abuja.
The statement was jointly issued by youth organisations representing Afizere, Anaguta, Atakar, Berom, Gamai, Irigwe, Mushere, Mwaghavul, Ron, Tarok and other ethnic nationalities in Plateau.
The coalition was reacting to a petition dated Oct. 5, 2026, signed by Mudahid Abdullahi on behalf of the Plateau chapters of Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN), Gan Allah Fulani Development Association of Nigeria (GAFDAN), Fulbe Youth Development Association (FUYODA) and others.
The petition allegedly accused the security agencies of discriminatory operations against Fulani communities, including killings, abductions, cattle rustling, poisoning and shooting of livestock.
The coalition also criticised a viral social media video alleging that the DSS, Mobile Police and Operation Rainbow were not contributing to peace in the state, except for the Nigerian Army.
It described the petition and video as a “campaign of calumny” intended to mislead the Federal Government and the public.
The group identified five alleged motives behind the petition, including intimidating the Plateau DSS Director, Mr Paul Damian, discrediting security operations, disrupting joint operations, discouraging intelligence sharing and portraying the Nigerian Army as the only effective security force in the state.
The coalition, however, said joint operations by the agencies had led to the arrest of suspected criminal leaders, a reduction in mass attacks and fewer incidents of crop destruction.
It further alleged that armed groups had attacked communities and security personnel in several parts of Plateau, claiming that at least 152 hamlets, villages and communities had been affected by the violence.
The coalition cited an alleged attack on a DSS base at Nding Sesut, Fan District, Barkin Ladi Local Government Area, on June 1, 2026.
It also alleged that an attack on Tanjol and Tarai villages in Jol community on Aug. 23 resulted in the deaths of two DSS officers and the seizure of their rifles.
Other incidents cited included the alleged killing of Mobile Police officers at Dares and Kwi villages in Bokkos and Riyom local government areas, as well as the killing of DSP David Babale, Operations Officer of Operation Rainbow, near a military checkpoint around Rakok village in Barkin Ladi.
The coalition also claimed that DSS operatives were recently ambushed and fatally injured at Kantoma and Alohgom in Mangu Local Government Area while responding to distress calls.
It called for a thorough investigation into the allegations of misconduct and possible collusion involving some military personnel and armed groups, stressing that all security agencies should be held accountable for any wrongdoing.
The group further alleged that sponsors of violent groups were raising N20 million to finance media campaigns, court cases and petitions aimed at frustrating security operations in the state.
It urged President Bola Tinubu and other federal authorities to sustain lawful security operations and ensure that the Plateau DSS director was not removed or redeployed solely on the basis of the petition.
The coalition warned that discontinuing the joint operations could undermine efforts to protect communities, prevent attacks and restore peace in Plateau.
“The Coalition of Plateau Indigenous Youth Bodies stands firmly for the protection of Plateau communities, the continuation of lawful and effective security operations, and accountability for every individual found to have acted outside the law,” the statement said.
It added that the protection of innocent lives should take precedence over personal, organisational or political interests.
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