Plateau Youth Coalition Defends DSS Operations, Warns Against Undermining Security Efforts

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, comprising youth groups from several indigenous communities in Plateau State, described the allegations as misleading and called on the Federal Government to allow security agencies to continue their operations, while ensuring accountability for any proven misconduct.

The coalition made its position known at a press conference held on Wednesday at the Nigeria Union of Journalists Secretariat Utako, Federal Capital Territory, Abuja.

Its reaction followed 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 raised concerns about alleged discriminatory security operations against Fulani communities and accused the DSS of responsibility for killings, abductions, cattle rustling, poisoning and the shooting of cattle.

The coalition also referred to 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 acting in the interest of peace in Plateau State.

However, the indigenous youth groups argued that the petition and video risked undermining public confidence in security operations and discouraging cooperation among security agencies.

The coalition said the joint operations of the DSS, Mobile Police Force and Operation Rainbow had helped expose what it described as the use of armed groups alongside cattle grazing activities to attack communities and occupy territories.

It claimed to have documented at least 152 hamlets, villages and communities affected by such attacks.

The group also denied having evidence linking DSS State Director Paul Damian or his agency to the alleged killing or poisoning of cattle, adding that security personnel sometimes intercepted cattle found grazing on farms belonging to residents.

According to the coalition, such incidents should be investigated on their individual merits rather than used to discredit security agencies.

The group further alleged that armed groups had attacked security personnel and local vigilantes involved in operations across Plateau State.

It cited an alleged attack on a newly deployed DSS base at Nding Sesut, Fan District, Barkin Ladi Local Government Area, on June 1, 2026.

The coalition also alleged that two DSS officers were killed during an attack on Tanjol and Tarai villages in Jol community on August 23, 2026, with the attackers reportedly taking away their weapons.

It further cited the reported killings of Mobile Police personnel at Dares and Kwi villages in Bokkos and Riyom local government areas, respectively.

The coalition also recalled the death of DSP David Babale, identified as an Operations Officer with Operation Rainbow, who it said was ambushed near a military checkpoint around Rakok village, on the outskirts of Barkin Ladi town.

It added that DSS operatives had sustained fatal injuries in separate ambushes at Kantoma and Alohgom in Mangu Local Government Area while responding to distress calls from communities under attack.

The allegations contained in the coalition’s statement were not independently verified.

The coalition called for an investigation into the allegations against security agencies and urged authorities to examine claims of misconduct involving any personnel implicated in the conflict.

It also alleged that some individuals were attempting to frustrate ongoing security operations through petitions, media campaigns and court actions. However, the group did not provide independently verifiable evidence to substantiate its claims about the alleged campaign or its funding.

The coalition maintained that cooperation among the DSS, police, Operation Rainbow, the military and local security volunteers remained essential to addressing insecurity in Plateau State.

It said the joint operations had produced what it described as encouraging results, including the arrest of suspected criminal leaders, a reduction in large-scale attacks and fewer incidents of crop destruction.

The group urged the Federal Government not to withdraw or weaken security operations without compelling reasons, while cautioning against decisions based solely on allegations that had yet to be established.

It specifically appealed to the authorities not to remove or redeploy DSS State Director Paul Damian arbitrarily, arguing that changes in leadership should not undermine ongoing operations.

The coalition said the protection of lives and property in Plateau State should take precedence over political, organisational or personal interests.

It urged the Federal Government and other relevant authorities to ensure that all allegations of criminality and misconduct were investigated fairly, regardless of the identities or affiliations of those involved.

The group also stressed that security operations must remain lawful and accountable, warning that any action capable of weakening efforts to protect vulnerable communities could worsen the state’s security challenges.

The coalition reaffirmed its support for the protection of indigenous communities and the continuation of effective security operations, insisting that criminal activities must be confronted 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.