Plateau State Government has expanded its community-based security framework with the passing-out of 1,450 newly trained operatives of Operation Rainbow, drawn from all 17 local government areas of the state.
Governor Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang disclosed this on Tuesday at the passing-out ceremony, describing the recruitment as a major milestone in his administration’s effort to deepen peace, intelligence gathering and rapid response across Plateau communities.
Mutfwang said the inclusive nature of the recruitment, cutting across faiths and ethnic groups, was designed to widen security coverage, particularly in rural and border areas that often experience delayed response during security incidents.
According to the governor, sustainable development cannot thrive in an atmosphere of insecurity, stressing that the protection of lives and property remains the foundation of his administration’s development agenda.
He explained that the government deliberately prioritised community-based security initiatives to complement conventional security agencies, noting that local operatives possess better knowledge of terrain, community dynamics and early warning signals.
The governor added that the training of the operatives extended beyond physical drills and tactical skills to include discipline, professionalism, respect for human rights and strict adherence to the rule of law.
“As you are deployed, you are not above the law but its guardians. You must work harmoniously with conventional security agencies, traditional rulers, religious leaders and community stakeholders,” Mutfwang charged.
He assured the operatives of sustained government support in terms of welfare, logistics and continuous capacity building, reiterating that Operation Rainbow was established to protect all residents of the state without discrimination.
Mutfwang further reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to investing in security infrastructure, intelligence systems and strategic partnerships to address evolving security threats across the state, while urging residents to remain vigilant during the festive season and report suspicious activities promptly.
Speaking after the ceremony, the Special Adviser on Security and Homeland Safety and Coordinator of Operation Rainbow, Brigadier General Gakji Shipi (Rtd.), said the recruitment from all 17 local government areas had significantly improved the outfit’s reach and operational effectiveness.
He explained that the operatives would complement regular security forces by providing early warning and rapid response, particularly in areas where conventional agencies may not be immediately present.
“Boots on the ground are very vital in any operation, whether military or intelligence-driven. These trainees provide the enabling force that allows us to reach every part of Plateau State quickly and obtain timely information,” Shipi said.
Operation Rainbow is Plateau State’s indigenous security outfit, established to support conventional security agencies through intelligence gathering, community engagement and rapid response to security threats.
