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From Jude Dangwam, Jos
As part of efforts to strengthen community-based security and tackle persistent insecurity in Plateau State, Governor Caleb Mutfwang has inaugurated 353 retrained operatives of Operation Rainbow, the state-owned security outfit, warning them against abusing their authority or operating outside the law.
The governor also commissioned operational vehicles and motorcycles to boost the outfit’s mobility and response capacity, stressing that Operation Rainbow would remain an intelligence-gathering outfit working in collaboration with conventional security agencies, rather than an independent armed force.
Speaking on Monday during the passing-out parade of the operatives at the Jos-Zaria Road Stadium, Mutfwang described the exercise as another milestone in his administration’s efforts to restore lasting peace to troubled communities across the state.
He charged the personnel to demonstrate professionalism, discipline and impartiality in the discharge of their duties, noting that their effectiveness would depend largely on prompt intelligence gathering, information sharing and cooperation with security agencies and traditional institutions.
“Today marks a historic day on the Plateau, particularly for Operation Rainbow, as we witness the passing out of the 353 retrained personnel.
“I urge you all to take seriously the need for quick information passage to facilitate timely usage. Be reminded that as you are trained and retrained to enforce the law, you are not above the law. You are partners and guardians of the law.
“In collaboration with conventional security, traditional rulers’ early security intelligence are key to achieving security in our respective communities,” he said.
Mutfwang explained that the decision to strengthen Operation Rainbow was informed by the need to develop an effective community-based intelligence network capable of identifying threats before they escalate into violence, particularly in vulnerable communities.
He emphasised that the outfit was not established to engage criminals in armed confrontation but to support conventional security agencies with local intelligence and knowledge of the terrain.
“Let me put it on record to the public that Operation Rainbow is purely an intelligence-gathering outfit; they are not armed to fight on their own. They are trained and retrained so that they can complement the conventional security forces, and whenever they are short of personnel, the operatives of Operation Rainbow can be handy. More so, they are locals; they know their terrain,” he stated.
The governor also dismissed allegations that the security outfit was constituted along religious or ethnic lines, maintaining that its recruitment reflected the diversity of Plateau State.
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“Let me disabuse your mind when some people say Operation Rainbow is just a particular faith and ethnic nationalities. We have ensured that people of diverse backgrounds are represented. We have recruited Muslims, Christians and people from diverse ethnic backgrounds,” he said.
Mutfwang expressed appreciation to President Bola Tinubu for the support extended to Plateau State in addressing its security challenges, expressing optimism that sustained collaboration between the state government and federal security agencies was beginning to yield positive results.
He also commended members of the State Security Council for their commitment to restoring peace and stability, explaining that the newly commissioned vehicles and motorcycles were procured with state resources to facilitate the outfit’s operations.
The governor assured residents that his administration would continue to prioritise security and deploy available public resources towards safeguarding lives and property.
Earlier, the Coordinator of Operation Rainbow, retired General Nash Yakubu, disclosed that the outfit’s personnel strength had risen to more than 3,000 following the addition of the 353 operatives.
He said the organisation had established 11 operational camps across Plateau State, with plans to extend its presence to all 17 local government areas to strengthen intelligence gathering, surveillance and early warning mechanisms.
According to him, the operatives underwent intensive retraining in intelligence gathering, neighbourhood surveillance, early warning signals and professional discipline to equip them with the skills required to identify potential threats and relay timely information to relevant security agencies.
“These operatives have been trained extensively in various areas of intelligence gathering, neighbourhood watching and early warning signals to protect lives and property.
“The essence of the training is to equip them with intelligence-gathering skills and professional discipline to protect lives and property. They are to respond to potential security threats, emergencies, amongst others,” he said.
Yakubu further disclosed that Operation Rainbow was planning to introduce drones into its surveillance operations to improve intelligence gathering and enhance security monitoring, particularly in communities vulnerable to attacks.
He explained that the newly inaugurated operatives would be deployed to their respective local government areas, where they would work closely with conventional security agencies, traditional rulers and community leaders to identify emerging threats and facilitate timely intervention.
The coordinator urged the personnel to remain disciplined, professional and committed to their responsibilities, stressing that the success of the outfit would depend on public confidence, effective intelligence sharing and sustained cooperation with other security agencies.
