The Plateau State Government has graduated 353 retrained operatives of Operation Rainbow, deploying them across the state’s local government areas with newly acquired vehicles and other logistics to strengthen community-based security.
The passing-out parade, held on Monday at the New Zaria Road Stadium, Jos, featured military drills, march displays and the dedication of operational vehicles.
Coordinator of Operation Rainbow, Brigadier General Nash Yakubu, said the retraining was aimed at strengthening intelligence gathering, neighbourhood surveillance, early warning and rapid response to security threats.
He disclosed that the outfit had trained about 3,000 operatives, established 11 operational camps and acquired over 25 gun trucks. Its command and control centre, the Plateau State Special Activities Centre (PSAC), is also equipped with drones and surveillance facilities.
Yakubu stressed the importance of timely intelligence sharing, noting that delays in transmitting information could undermine security responses. He said the graduating operatives would be deployed to their respective local government areas.
Governor Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang described the exercise as a major step towards strengthening Plateau’s security architecture, declaring that peace remained fundamental to the state’s development.
“Without peace there can be no progress, no investment and no growth,” he said.
The Governor charged the operatives to uphold professionalism, integrity and impartiality, warning them against abuse of power.
“You are not above the law. You are partners and guardians of the law,” he cautioned, directing them to work under the supervision of conventional security agencies, traditional institutions and community leaders.
Mutfwang also dismissed allegations that Operation Rainbow was constituted along religious or ethnic lines, explaining that its membership reflected Plateau’s diversity.
While acknowledging continued attacks in some vulnerable communities, he expressed optimism about improving security and assured residents and visitors of adequate measures ahead of the festive season.
The Governor subsequently dedicated newly acquired operational vehicles and other logistics, including motorcycles, to support the operatives.
Speaking on behalf of the graduates, Judith Morfiba Buji, a ward leader from Bassa LGA, said the training covered combat, target practice, arms handling and report writing, pledging that the operatives would apply their skills to protect lives and property.
The ceremony ended with the presentation of a portrait to the Governor and a renewed pledge by the graduating operatives to serve with dedication and professionalism.
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