The Plateau State Government has passed out 1,450 newly trained and recruited operatives of Operation Rainbow, marking a major step towards strengthening security across the state.
The passing-out parade was held on Monday, December 23, 2025, at the New Jos Stadium, with top government officials, security agencies, traditional rulers and other stakeholders in attendance.
Speaking at the ceremony, Governor of Plateau State, Barr. Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang, described the event as a historic milestone in the state’s quest for peace and security. He said the operatives, carefully selected from all faiths and ethnic groups across the 17 local government areas of the state, represent a renewed commitment to service, discipline and sacrifice.
Governor Mutfwang noted that the successful completion of the rigorous training programme signified the readiness of the operatives to protect lives and property, preserve peace and safeguard communities across Plateau State. He stressed that security remains the foundation for sustainable development, adding that without peace there can be no meaningful progress, investment or unity.
The governor explained that his administration has prioritised community-based security initiatives, including the strengthening of vigilante and intelligence-gathering structures, as part of a broader security architecture. He said the training of the operatives went beyond physical and tactical drills to include respect for the rule of law, human rights and responsible engagement with civilians.
He urged the newly passed-out operatives to conduct themselves with professionalism, integrity and restraint, while working closely with conventional security agencies, traditional institutions, religious leaders and community stakeholders. According to him, collaboration and effective intelligence gathering are critical to achieving lasting peace.
Governor Mutfwang reiterated that Operation Rainbow is an inclusive security outfit established to protect all citizens regardless of faith, ethnicity or background, stressing that it is not designed to witch-hunt any group. He assured the operatives of the government’s commitment to their welfare, including continuous training, logistics support and improved welfare packages.
As the festive season approaches, the governor called on residents to remain vigilant and law-abiding, urging them to promptly report suspicious activities. He also disclosed that the state government has partnered with the Nigerian Air Force to deploy a helicopter for enhanced security surveillance, particularly in rural communities during the yuletide.
Speaking to journalists after the event, the Special Adviser on Security and Homeland Safety and Coordinator of Operation Rainbow, Brigadier General Gakji Shipi (Rtd.), described the passing-out ceremony as one of the happiest moments of the administration. He attributed the success of the exercise to the full backing of Governor Mutfwang.
Brig. Gen. Shipi said the recruitment marked the first time Operation Rainbow operatives were drawn from all 17 local government areas of the state, significantly expanding the outfit’s coverage and effectiveness. He explained that the wider spread of operatives would enhance intelligence gathering, early warning and rapid response, while complementing the efforts of conventional security agencies.
He noted that the presence of more “boots on the ground” would help minimise damage and insecurity in communities by providing timely information and bridging the gap before the arrival of regular security forces.
Highlights of the ceremony included a security operation display by the operatives, inspection of the parade, and presence of government and security officials.
