by Christiana Gokyo, Jos
The Plateau State Government on Monday held a Passing-out-parade for 353 retrained operatives of Operation Rainbow, the State’s community security outfit, as part of efforts to “enhance community security and intelligence gathering.”
Governor Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang, who presided over the ceremony, said the retraining was aimed at improving operational efficiency in information gathering and early warning systems to protect lives and property.
He was speaking at the Passing-out-Parade at the New Stadium, Zaria Road Jos, on Monday, when he stressed that peace and security remain cardinal guiding policies of his administration, necessary for investment and meaningful growth.
The governor clarified that Operation Rainbow is primarily an intelligence-gathering outfit, not an independent armed force, designed to complement conventional security agencies through “local terrain knowledge.”
He charged the graduates to carry themselves with professionalism, integrity and restraint, reminding them that they are partners and guardians of the law, not above it.
“You must work under the supervision of conventional security agencies, traditional institutions and community leaders,” he said.
Governor Mutfwang dismissed claims of religious or ethnic bias in the composition of the outfit, stating that Operation Rainbow comprises Muslims, Christians and diverse ethnic backgrounds.
He also addressed social media misinformation targeted at security agencies, including the DSS, Mobile Police and Operation Rainbow, urging citizens with genuine complaints about security overreach to use official channels instead of social media.
He cautioned young people that spreading wrong information on social media puts many lives in danger and can embolden criminals.
The governor expressed confidence in the improving security situation in the State, noting positive signs over the last few months, despite ongoing skirmishes in some vulnerable villages.
He assured that the State Capital remains safe for business, residents, guests and tourists, and expressed optimism for increased visitation, from late November through January.
According to him, all hands will be on deck to ensure incident-free celebrations as the end of the year approaches.
He pledged his administration’s continued support for Operation Rainbow through provision of necessary tools, continuous training and welfare packages, with a goal to reduce criminal activity on the Plateau to the barest minimum through collaboration within the Security Council.
Governor Mutfwang also thanked President Bola Tinubu for his support, and commanders of various security agencies for their cooperation.
Speaking earlier, Brigadier-General Nash Yakubu, Coordinator Operation Rainbow, said the retraining programme commenced for its operatives in batches to address contemporary security challenges and strengthen community safety across Plateau State, adding that, the first batch, comprising over 350 personnel, commenced training about two months ago.
“The retraining is aimed at equipping personnel with professional competence, discipline and skills to protect lives and property, with specific focus on threat identification and assessment, emergency response to incidents such as accidents and bomb threats, environmental monitoring, communication, reporting and coordination,” he disclosed.
He said the programme emphasises timely passage of information to higher headquarters to ensure swift response to security threats.
The Coordinator of Operation Rainbow said he is working in synergy with Operation Enduring Peace, the Department of State Services (DSS), Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Nigeria Immigration Service, and various vigilante groups who assist in information gathering for security authorities.
Operatives were charged to maintain professionalism, impartiality and firmness in the discharge of their duties.
The outfit currently has over 25 gun trucks, shared with Operation Enduring Peace and other agencies for operational use.
Brigadier-General Nash Yakubu stressed that, “The Plateau State Special Activity Centre (PSAC) serves as its command and control centre, equipped with drones and real-time monitoring technology.
“There are currently 11 fully operational camps across different Local Government Areas, with plans to establish an operational camp in every Local Government Area, utilising drones for real-time intelligence gathering.”
He explained that, “After training, operatives will be deployed to their respective Local Governments for neighbourhood watch and crime prevention,” adding that, to facilitate movement and operational efficiency, vehicles and motorcycles will be distributed to all Local Government Areas.
He expressed confidence that the improved training and equipment, funded by the Governor of Plateau State, Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang, will ensure sustained peace on the Plateau.