The Coalition of Indigenous Youth Nationalities in Plateau State has defended the Department of State Services (DSS), the Mobile Police Force and Operation Rainbow against allegations of bias and misconduct in security operations across the state.
The coalition called on the Federal Government to sustain ongoing security operations while ensuring that all allegations of misconduct against security personnel are investigated impartially.
The group stated this on Wednesday during a press conference at the Nigeria Union of Journalists Secretariat Utako, Federal Capital Territory, Abuja.
The coalition was reacting to a petition dated October 5, 2026, reportedly signed by Mudahid Abdullahi, Esq., on behalf of the Plateau State chapters of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN), Gan Allah Fulani Development Association of Nigeria (GAFDAN), Fulbe Youth Development Association (FUYODA) and other groups.
According to the coalition, the petition alleged discriminatory security operations against Fulani communities and accused the DSS of involvement in killings, abductions, cattle rustling, poisoning and the shooting of cattle.
The youth groups also referenced a video circulating on social media that allegedly questioned the conduct of the DSS, Mobile Police Force and Operation Rainbow while portraying the Nigerian Army as the only security agency committed to restoring peace in Plateau State.
However, the coalition argued that the allegations risked undermining public confidence in security agencies and weakening cooperation among personnel involved in efforts to address insecurity.
It maintained that joint operations by the DSS, Mobile Police Force and Operation Rainbow had contributed to efforts to expose and disrupt attacks on communities.
The coalition claimed to have documented at least 152 hamlets, villages and communities affected by attacks allegedly involving armed groups operating alongside cattle-grazing activities.
It also said it had no evidence linking the DSS State Director, Paul Damian, or his agency to allegations of cattle killings or poisoning. The group added that incidents involving cattle found grazing on residents’ farms should be investigated individually rather than used to discredit security agencies.
The coalition further alleged that armed groups had attacked security personnel and local vigilantes participating in operations across Plateau State.
It cited an alleged attack on a newly established DSS base at Nding Sesut, Fan District, Barkin Ladi Local Government Area, on June 1, 2026.
The group also claimed that two DSS officers were killed during attacks on Tanjol and Tarai villages in Jol community on August 23, 2026, with the assailants allegedly taking away their weapons.
It further referenced reported killings of Mobile Police personnel at Dares and Kwi villages in Bokkos and Riyom local government areas, respectively.
The coalition recalled the death of DSP David Babale, whom it identified as an operations officer with Operation Rainbow. According to the group, Babale was ambushed near a military checkpoint around Rakok village, on the outskirts of Barkin Ladi town.
It also alleged that DSS operatives sustained fatal injuries in separate ambushes at Kantoma and Alohgom in Mangu Local Government Area while responding to distress calls from communities reportedly under attack.
The allegations made by the coalition, including the accounts of attacks and casualties, were not independently verified.
The group called on the Federal Government and relevant authorities to investigate all allegations of criminality and misconduct, stressing that any security personnel found culpable should be held accountable in accordance with the law.
It also alleged that some individuals were attempting to frustrate security operations through petitions, media campaigns and court actions. However, the coalition did not provide independently verifiable evidence to substantiate these claims.
Despite the concerns raised, the group maintained that collaboration among the DSS, police, Operation Rainbow, the military and local security volunteers remained essential to addressing insecurity in Plateau State.
It described the outcome of joint operations as encouraging, citing what it said were arrests of suspected criminal leaders, a reduction in large-scale attacks and fewer incidents of crop destruction.
The coalition urged the Federal Government not to withdraw or weaken security operations without compelling reasons, warning that decisions based solely on unverified allegations could undermine efforts to protect vulnerable communities.
It specifically appealed to the authorities not to remove or redeploy DSS State Director Paul Damian arbitrarily, arguing that changes in leadership should not disrupt ongoing security operations.
The group stressed that the protection of lives and property must take precedence over political, organisational and personal interests.
It also called for lawful and accountable security operations, insisting that allegations against security agencies and individuals involved in the conflict must be examined fairly, regardless of their identities or affiliations.
The coalition reaffirmed its support for the protection of indigenous communities and the continuation of effective security operations, maintaining that criminal activities should be addressed without discrimination.
The statement was signed by Amb. Ezekiel Peter Bini, President of the Irigwe Youths Movement and Chairman of the Coalition of Indigenous Youth Nationalities in Plateau State; Dalyop Solomon Mwantiri, Esq., President of the Berom Youths Moulder-Association and Northern Zone Coordinator; Amb. Miri Timnan Nyantau, President of the Tarok Progressive Youths Association and Southern Zone Coordinator; and Jonathan Kyesmang Yusuf, President of the Mwagavwul Youths and Central Zone Coordinator.
The coalition’s central demand is for the Federal Government to sustain lawful security operations in Plateau State, investigate allegations of misconduct impartially and prioritise the protection of innocent lives.
