A Coalition of Youth Groups in Plateau has commended the Department of State Services (DSS), the Mobile Police and Operation Rainbow, a Plateau-owned security outfit over the ongoing operations against insecurity in the state.
The coalition gave the commendation during a news conference on Wednesday in Abuja.
Speaking on behalf of the coalition, Mr Dalyop Mwantiri, President of Berom Youth Moulders (BYM), said that the three security agencies had demonstrated a deep commitment to tackling the security challenges in the state.
He explained that the coalition comprised of Afizere, Anaguta, Berom, Irigwe, Mwaghavul, Tarok, Ron, Mushere and other indigenous youth groups in the state.
Mwantiri particularly said that the news conference was a reaction to the allegation of bias and selected operations jointly carried out by the three security outfits in the state.
He said that a petition dated Oct. 5 and video clips had been in circulation in that regard.
He explained that the petition and the video clips were capable of misinforming the public and distorting the true security situation in Plateau.
“The coalition smells a rat in the ongoing campaign of calumny orchestrated against the DSS, Mobile Police and Operation Rainbow
“We believe that the claims are intended to discredit the operations of the security agencies in the state,”he said.
Mwantiri categorically said that the joint ongoing security operations had so far yielded positive results, including improved response to distress calls and arrest of some criminal elements in the state.
“As far as the coalition is concerned, there is substantial evidence that the operations are effective, on track and yielding significant results,” he said.
He called on the government to thoroughly investigate the allegations to establish facts and ensure accountability where necessary.
The BYM president, who decried attacks on security personnel deployed to protect communities, commiserated with the various security agencies over loss of personnel in the line of duty.
He particularly said that security personnel had been ambushed in Barkin Ladi, Riyom, Bassa, Bokkos and Mangu Local Government Areas (LGAs) of the state.
“On June 1, a newly deployed DSS base at Nding Sesut, Fan in Barkin Ladi was attacked.
“Similarly, on Aug. 23, Tanjol and Tarai villages of Jol community in Riyom LGA were attacked and two DSS personnel lost their lives.
“Some mobile police officers and one personnel of Operation Rainbow were reportedly killed in separate incidents around Bokkos, Riyom and Barkin Ladi,”he said.
Mwantiri said that some DSS operatives also sustained injuries while responding to attacks in Kantoma and Alohgom in Mangu LGA.
He urged the Federal Government to ensure that lawful security operations were adequately sustained and not undermined.
“The protection of innocent lives must take precedence over personal or other interests,” he insisted.
Mwantiri stressed the need to strengthen inter-agency collaboration, synergy and intelligence sharing among security agencies towards ending the circle of violence in the state.
He added that the group would regularly support any efforts aimed at restoring lasting peace, unity and progress in the state.
Mwantiri advised Nigerians to disregard divisive narratives and support measures aimed at promoting peace and security in all parts of the country. (NAN)
