- Coalition rejects claims of bias, warns against withdrawal of security agencies, alleges funding of campaigns to frustrate operations
Indigenous youth organisations in Plateau State have defended the Department of State Services (DSS), the Mobile Police Force and Operation Rainbow against allegations of bias and misconduct, calling on the Federal Government to investigate suspected security leaks, alleged collusion and attempts to undermine ongoing operations against armed groups.
The coalition urged President Bola Tinubu and other relevant authorities to sustain joint security operations in the state, warning that the withdrawal or weakening of the agencies could embolden armed groups and worsen insecurity in communities already affected by persistent attacks and displacement.
The youth leaders also called for an investigation into claims that sponsors of armed groups were allegedly mobilising funds to finance media campaigns, court cases and petitions intended to frustrate the security crackdown.
The coalition made its position known on Wednesday during a press conference at the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), FCT Council, addressed by the President of the Berom Youths Moulder-Association and Coordinator of Indigenous Youth Nationalities, Northern Zone, Dalyop Solomon Mwantiri.
The briefing followed a petition dated October 5, 2026, reportedly signed by Mujahid Abdullahi on behalf of the Plateau 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 organisations.
According to the coalition, the petitioners accused the DSS of conducting discriminatory operations against Fulani communities and blamed the agency for alleged killings, abductions, cattle rustling and the poisoning and shooting of cattle.
The youth leaders also referred to a video circulated on Facebook and other social media platforms that reportedly made similar allegations while portraying the Nigerian Army as the only security agency working in the interest of peace in Plateau State.
However, the coalition dismissed the allegations as attempts to discredit security agencies and divert attention from operations against armed groups.
Mwantiri said the campaigns appeared calculated to intimidate the Plateau State Director of the DSS, Paul Damian, undermine the operations of the DSS, Mobile Police Force and Operation Rainbow, disrupt collaboration with local security volunteers and discourage intelligence sharing among security formations.
He further alleged that the campaigns sought to create the impression that the Nigerian Army was the only effective security agency in the state, potentially weakening public confidence in other agencies involved in the security response.
The coalition maintained that joint operations had exposed what it described as a pattern of armed militants attacking and occupying communities while cattle were allegedly grazed alongside them.
It claimed that at least 152 hamlets, villages and communities had suffered attacks but did not provide documentary evidence to substantiate the figure at the briefing.
The youth leaders also rejected allegations linking Damian and the DSS to killings and cattle rustling, arguing that cattle intercepted while grazing on farmlands were being held pending the identification of their owners and the alleged perpetrators.
To support its position, the coalition cited several incidents involving attacks on security personnel and communities, which it attributed to armed Fulani militants.
It alleged that a newly deployed DSS base at Nding Sesut, Fan District, in Barkin Ladi Local Government Area, came under attack on June 1, 2026.
The group also cited an alleged August 23 attack on Tanjol and Tarai villages in Jol community, claiming that more than 400 militants assaulted the settlements, ambushed and killed two DSS officers, seized their rifles and retreated towards Rankum in the Mahanga area of Riyom Local Government Area.
The coalition further alleged that Mobile Police Force personnel were killed in attacks on Dares and Kwi villages in Bokkos and Riyom local government areas approximately two weeks before the press conference.
It also claimed that the Operations Officer of Operation Rainbow, DSP David Babale, was ambushed and killed near a military checkpoint around Rakok village, on the outskirts of Barkin Ladi.
According to the youth leaders, similar incidents had occurred at Kantoma and Alohgom in Mangu Local Government Area.
The allegations were not independently verified at the briefing, and the responses of the organisations that reportedly submitted the petition were not included in the coalition’s presentation.
In another allegation, the coalition claimed that sponsors of armed groups were mobilising N20 million to finance media campaigns, legal actions and petitions aimed at frustrating security operations in Plateau State.
It called on the Federal Government to investigate the alleged funding arrangements and determine whether any individuals or groups were attempting to compromise security operations.
The youth leaders also called for scrutiny of allegations of unprofessional conduct and possible collusion involving some Army personnel, insisting that all security agencies and individuals implicated in misconduct should be subjected to appropriate investigation.
The coalition, which comprises youth organisations representing Afizere, Anaguta, Atakar, Atten, Bache, Berom, Gamai, Irigwe, Kunlere, Mushere, Mwaghavul, Ron, Pan, Tarok and other ethnic groups, warned against withdrawing the DSS, Mobile Police Force and Operation Rainbow from the state.
It argued that removing the agencies while attacks and displacement persisted could weaken the ongoing security response and give armed groups greater freedom to operate.
Appealing to President Tinubu and other Federal Government authorities, the youth leaders urged them not to be swayed by allegations they considered politically motivated, while acknowledging the need to investigate genuine complaints against security personnel.
“We smell a rat,” the coalition declared, describing the petition and the social media video as “ploys and strategies of distraction”.
It urged the government to prioritise cooperation among security agencies and prevent public disputes from undermining intelligence gathering, information sharing and coordinated operations.
The statement was jointly signed by Amb. Ezekiel Peter Bini, President of the Irigwe Youths Movement and Chairman of the Coalition; Mwantiri; Amb. Miri Timnan Nyantau, President of the Tarok Progressive Youths Association and Coordinator for the Southern Zone; and Jonathan Kyesmang Yusuf, President of the Mwaghavul Youth Movement and Coordinator for the Central Zone.
The coalition’s intervention highlights growing tensions over the conduct and effectiveness of security operations in Plateau State, where persistent violence against communities and security personnel has intensified demands for accountability, improved intelligence coordination and stronger civilian protection.
While the indigenous youth leaders insist that the security agencies should be allowed to continue their operations, the allegations against security personnel and the organisations that petitioned the authorities remain matters requiring independent verification.
A credible investigation into the competing claims would help establish the facts, identify any wrongdoing and ensure that efforts to restore peace in Plateau State are guided by evidence, professional conduct and accountability.
Ultimately, the challenge before the Federal Government is to strengthen cooperation among security agencies, protect vulnerable communities and ensure that neither unsubstantiated allegations nor genuine misconduct is allowed to undermine the pursuit of lasting peace.
