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The Plateau State Government on Tuesday commissioned 1,450 newly trained operatives of Operation Rainbow as part of efforts to strengthen security across the state.
Gyang Bere, the state governor’s director of press and public affairs, said in a statement that the governor described security as “the bedrock upon which sustainable development is built.” Mr Bere also provided other details of the event.
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He said the operatives passed out at a ceremony held at the Zaria Road Stadium in Jos. Governor Caleb Mutfwang, who presided over the event, said the state was prioritising security as a foundation for stability and development.
Addressing the operatives, Mr Mutfwang said their role was to protect lives and property. He urged them to act within the law. “You are not above the law; rather, you are its guardians and partners,” he said, charging them to carry out their duties with discipline and integrity.
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He said the state had adopted a community-based approach to security, noting that “effective security begins from within our communities.” According to him, Operation Rainbow operates as part of the state’s security structure and works alongside the military, police and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps. “Every operation they undertake is under the direct supervision of the Army, the Police, or the NSCDC,” he said.
The governor said the training of the operatives covered not only physical and tactical drills but also respect for human rights and civilian engagement. He added that the outfit was designed to protect all residents without discrimination. “It is not meant to witch-hunt anybody; it is an all-inclusive security outfit designed to protect people of all faiths and ethnic backgrounds,” he said.
READ ALSO: Plateau police begin investigation into Wase kidnapping
Mr Mutfwang also said the operatives were recruited from all 17 local government areas of the state and included both Christians and Muslims. He assured residents that complaints against any operative would be addressed. “Whenever there is a legitimate complaint, appropriate disciplinary action will be taken against any operative found wanting,” he said.
He disclosed that the state was working with federal security agencies to improve surveillance, including the deployment of helicopters in rural areas, especially during the festive period. He said the measures were in line with directives from President Bola Tinubu to treat threats to national security as acts of terrorism.
The commissioning comes amid recurring security challenges in Plateau State. In recent days, residents of Wase Local Government Area reported the abduction of 28 travellers from the Zak community in the Bashar District while travelling to Sabon Layi. The Plateau State Police Command said it has begun investigations into the kidnapping.
The governor urged residents to cooperate with security agencies and report suspicious activities, saying, “Security is a collective responsibility,” and assuring that the government would continue efforts to improve safety across the state.
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