Plateau Youths Accuse Fulani Groups of Smearing Security Forces to Undermine Operations

Plateau Youths Accuse Fulani Groups of Smearing Security Forces to Undermine Operations

By Sarah Kitka

Abuja (Core Reporters) – A coalition of indigenous youth organisations in Plateau State has accused some Fulani groups of orchestrating what it described as a smear campaign against security agencies to undermine ongoing anti-insurgency operations in the state.

The coalition alleged that petitions and viral social media videos accusing security operatives of bias, criminality and complicity in attacks against Fulani communities were intended to discredit the Department of State Services (DSS), the Mobile Police Force and Operation Rainbow.

Speaking at a press conference at the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ), FCT Council, Abuja, on Wednesday, President of the Berom Youths Moulder-Association and Coordinator of Indigenous Youth Nationalities, Northern Zone, Dalyop Solomon Mwantiri, Esq., urged the Federal Government to protect the security agencies from what he described as political and criminal pressure.

He maintained that the allegations against the agencies should not be allowed to derail joint security operations, while calling for investigations into any credible claims of misconduct.

The coalition, comprising youth organisations from Afizere, Anaguta, Atakar, Atten, Bache, Berom, Gamai, Irigwe, Kunlere, Mushere, Mwaghavul, Ron, Pan, Tarok and other indigenous communities, said the alleged campaign could weaken inter-agency collaboration and give armed groups an opportunity to evade security operations.

Addressing journalists, the coalition said its position followed a petition dated October 5, 2026, signed by Mujahid Abdullahi, Esq., on behalf of the Plateau chapters of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN), Gan Allah Fulani Development Association of Nigeria (GAFDAN), Fulbe Youth Development Association (FUYODA) and other organisations.

According to the coalition, the petitioners accused security operatives of conducting biased and discriminatory operations against Fulani communities and blamed the DSS for alleged killings and abductions of Fulani members, cattle rustling, and the poisoning and shooting of cattle.

The youth organisations also referred to a video circulating on Facebook and other social media platforms, which allegedly portrayed the Nigerian Army as the only security agency working in the interest of peace in Plateau State.

They, however, dismissed the allegations as attempts to distort the circumstances surrounding the security operations and mislead the Federal Government and the public.

The coalition identified five objectives it believed were behind the alleged campaign: intimidating and blackmailing the Plateau State Director of the DSS, Mr Paul Damian; discrediting the operations of the DSS, Mobile Police Force and Operation Rainbow; disrupting joint operations involving local security volunteers; discouraging intelligence sharing and inter-agency collaboration; and portraying the Nigerian Army as the only effective security agency in the state.

The group specifically credited the joint operations of the three security outfits with the arrest of a suspected militant leader, Ardo Mahmoud Adams, describing the development as one of the achievements the alleged campaign was intended to undermine.

Presenting what it called its account of the security situation, the coalition alleged that armed militants had operated alongside cattle grazers in attacks on communities, claiming that at least 152 hamlets, villages and communities had suffered attacks and occupation.

It denied allegations that Damian and the DSS were involved in killings or cattle rustling, explaining that cattle intercepted while grazing on farmlands were being held pending the identification of their owners and the alleged perpetrators.

The coalition further accused armed groups of repeatedly ambushing security personnel deployed to protect communities in the state.

It cited an alleged attack on a newly deployed DSS base at Nding Sesut, Fan, in Barkin Ladi Local Government Area, on June 1, 2026, as well as an attack on Tanjol and Tarai villages in Jol community on August 23, 2026.

According to the group, more than 400 militants attacked the communities, ambushed and killed two DSS officers, and carted away their rifles before retreating to Rankum, in the Mahanga area of Riyom Local Government Area.

The coalition also alleged that Mobile Police Force officers were killed about two weeks ago in Dares and Kwi villages in Bokkos and Riyom local government areas, respectively.

It further claimed that the Operations Officer of Operation Rainbow, DSP David Babale, was ambushed and killed near a military checkpoint around Rakok village, on the outskirts of Barkin Ladi.

Other alleged incidents cited by the group included ambushes at Kantoma and Alohgom in Mangu Local Government Area.

The coalition also alleged that sponsors of armed militants were raising ₦20 million to finance media campaigns, court cases and petitions aimed at frustrating the ongoing security operations. It did not provide independent evidence to substantiate the allegation.

Despite its defence of the security agencies, the coalition called for a thorough investigation into allegations of unprofessional conduct, compromise and collusion involving some Army personnel.

It maintained that allegations of misconduct should be investigated without compromising legitimate security operations or undermining cooperation among agencies working to restore peace in Plateau State.

The group warned against any move to withdraw the DSS, Mobile Police Force and Operation Rainbow from the state, arguing that such a decision could weaken ongoing efforts to protect vulnerable communities and prevent further attacks and displacement.

It appealed to President Bola Tinubu and other Federal Government authorities not to be swayed by what it described as attempts to manipulate public opinion and frustrate security operations.

“We smell a rat,” the coalition said, describing the petition and circulating video as “ploys and strategies of distraction.”

It urged the Federal Government to sustain its support for security agencies while ensuring that credible allegations against any personnel were investigated and addressed.

The statement was jointly signed by Amb. Ezekiel Peter Bini, President of the Irigwe Youths Movement and Chairman of the Coalition; Dalyop Solomon Mwantiri, Esq., President of the Berom Youths Moulder-Association and Coordinator, Northern Zone; Amb. Miri Timnan Nyantau, President of the Tarok Progressive Youths Association and Coordinator, Southern Zone; and Mr Jonathan Kyesmang Yusuf, President of the Mwaghavul Youth Movement and Coordinator, Central Zone.