Plateau State Governor, Caleb Mutfwang, has reiterated his administration’s commitment to addressing insecurity in the state with the commissioning of 1,450 newly trained personnel of Operation Rainbow, the state-owned security outfit.
The governor spoke on Tuesday at the passing-out parade of the operatives at the Zaria Road Stadium in Jos, marking the completion of their six-month training.
Mutfwang said the revitalisation of Operation Rainbow formed part of his administration’s broader strategy to safeguard lives and property across the state.
He commended the operatives for their dedication and urged them to uphold professionalism in the discharge of their duties.
He said: “Today, we celebrate not just the successful completion of this rigorous training programme but the birth of a renewed commitment to service, courage, discipline, and sacrifice.
“You have answered a noble call, the call to protect lives and property, preserve peace, and safeguard the future of our communities.
“For this, the government and the good people of Plateau State are immensely proud of you.
“As you take your oath of service and step into the field, let me remind you that security remains the bedrock upon which sustainable development is built.
“Without peace, there can be no meaningful progress, no investment, no prosperity, and no enduring unity. This is why peace and security constitute the cardinal policy thrusts of my administration.”
The governor stressed that effective security begins at the community level, noting that his administration had prioritised community-based security initiatives, including the strengthening of vigilante support structures.
“We are fully aware that effective security begins from within our communities.
“Accordingly, our administration has deliberately prioritised community-based security initiatives, including the strengthening of vigilante support structures, as critical partners within our broader security architecture.
“Your training has therefore gone beyond physical drills and tactical preparedness; it has instilled discipline, respect for the rule of law, adherence to human rights, and the principles of responsible engagement with civilians,” he said.
Mutfwang urged the operatives to conduct themselves with integrity, restraint and professionalism, while working closely with conventional security agencies and community leaders.
“As you are deployed, I urge you to conduct yourselves with the highest standards of professionalism, integrity, and restraint.
“You are not above the law; rather, you are its guardians and partners. Work harmoniously with conventional security agencies, traditional rulers, religious leaders, and community stakeholders,” he added.
He also commended the Coordinator of Operation Rainbow, Brig Gen Gakji Shipi (retd.), and other security agencies involved in the training of the operatives, assuring that indiscipline and unprofessional conduct would not be tolerated.
Clarifying the mandate of the outfit, the governor said: “Operation Rainbow was conceived primarily to protect all citizens irrespective of their faith, ethnic groups or regional background.
“It is not meant for witch-hunt, rather, it is an all-inclusive security outfit that involves and protects people of all faiths and tribes, working together to advance peace, unity and safety.”
Operation Rainbow was established under the administration of former Governor Jonah Jang to support community policing and provide timely intelligence on security situations across the state.
The Mutfwang administration had earlier strengthened the outfit, recruiting 600 vigilante operatives to enhance peace and security in Plateau State.
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