A coalition of indigenous youth organisations in Plateau State has expressed support for ongoing security operations by the Department of State Services (DSS), the Police Mobile Force and Operation Rainbow, describing their efforts as important to restoring peace in communities affected by violence.
The groups also urged the Federal Government to investigate allegations that security personnel have conducted selective or biased operations in parts of the state.
The coalition made its position known during a press conference in Abuja on Wednesday, October 21, 2026.
Speaking on behalf of the organisations, Dalyop Mwantiri, President of Berom Youth Moulders (BYM), said the security agencies had shown commitment to addressing persistent insecurity across Plateau.
Plateau Youth Groups Reject Claims Against Security Agencies
Mwantiri identified the coalition’s members as youth representatives from the Afizere, Anaguta, Berom, Irigwe, Mwaghavul, Tarok, Ron and Mushere communities, alongside other indigenous groups.
He explained that the press conference was organised in response to a petition dated October 5 and videos circulating online, which accused the DSS, mobile police officers and Operation Rainbow personnel of conducting discriminatory security operations.
According to him, the allegations risk creating public distrust and undermining efforts to protect vulnerable communities.
The coalition questioned the motives behind the accusations, arguing that the campaign could damage the reputation of security personnel operating in difficult and dangerous conditions.
However, Mwantiri acknowledged the need for an independent examination of the claims to establish what happened and ensure accountability where wrongdoing is established.
Coalition Says Joint Operations Are Producing Results
The youth leader said cooperation among the three security organisations had contributed to improved responses to emergency calls and the arrest of suspected criminals.
He maintained that the ongoing operations were making progress despite the challenges facing security personnel.
Mwantiri called for continued government support, adequate operational resources and stronger coordination among agencies responsible for protecting communities.
The coalition also urged security authorities to strengthen intelligence gathering and information sharing to improve their ability to prevent attacks.
The claims of operational improvements and arrests were made by the coalition and were not accompanied in the supplied report by independently verified figures.
DSS, Police Personnel Reportedly Killed in Plateau Attacks
Mwantiri expressed concern over attacks on security officers deployed to violence-affected communities.
He identified Barkin Ladi, Riyom, Bassa, Bokkos and Mangu local government areas as locations where security personnel had reportedly faced ambushes and other attacks.
According to the coalition, a newly established DSS base at Nding Sesut in Fan, Barkin Ladi LGA, came under attack on June 1.
Mwantiri also reported that two DSS officers were killed during attacks on Tanjol and Tarai villages in the Jol community of Riyom LGA on August 23.
He said separate incidents around Bokkos, Riyom and Barkin Ladi had reportedly claimed the lives of some mobile police officers and an Operation Rainbow operative.
Other DSS personnel reportedly sustained injuries while responding to violent incidents in Kantoma and Alohgom communities in Mangu LGA.
The coalition extended condolences to the families and agencies affected by the deaths, describing the reported losses as a reminder of the risks faced by personnel working in conflict-prone areas.
Group Urges Federal Government to Sustain Security Operations
Mwantiri appealed to the Federal Government to maintain lawful security operations across Plateau State while ensuring that personnel remain accountable for their conduct.
He argued that political disagreements, misinformation and competing interests should not prevent legitimate efforts to protect residents.
The coalition also called for stronger cooperation between federal and state security agencies, particularly in intelligence sharing, emergency response and community engagement.
According to Mwantiri, achieving lasting peace will require coordinated action, public trust and sustained commitment from government institutions and local communities.
He encouraged residents to reject messages capable of deepening ethnic or communal divisions and to support credible initiatives aimed at restoring stability.
The coalition pledged to continue supporting lawful peacebuilding and security measures that protect lives and promote peaceful coexistence across Plateau State.
Based on reporting by Philomina Attah, News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), October 21, 2026. Independently rewritten for publication.
