The Plateau State Government has taken a significant step toward strengthening grassroots security with the graduation of the first batch of Operation Rainbow operatives. The initiative aligns with the recent state of emergency declared on national security by President Bola Tinubu, as the state positions itself ahead of potential threats.
The Special Adviser on Security and Homeland Safety and Acting Coordinator of Operation Rainbow, Brig. Gen. Gakji Shipi (Rtd.), disclosed this on Friday, 28th November, during the completion ceremony at the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) Command and Staff College in Jos East.
According to him, the government is targeting the recruitment and training of about 1,500 operatives, with 750 officers completing the first phase of the programme.
Brig. Gen. Shipi explained that the new operatives will be deployed back to their various communities to serve as frontline responders and proactive defenders against emerging threats.
“This is work in progress. Unlike the first set trained mainly in intelligence gathering, this second batch has undergone more tactical and operational training. They will guard communities and take proactive steps to counter threats before they escalate,” he said.
He emphasized that Operation Rainbow’s expansion across all 17 local government areas marks a strategic step toward a more coordinated, state-wide security structure.
On calls for state policing, Brig. Gen. Shipi reiterated the government’s long-standing advocacy.
“His Excellency has always championed the need for state police. If achieved, Operation Rainbow is well-positioned to form the nucleus of a future state police system,” he stated.
He added that the Plateau State Government’s proactive approach mirrors the federal government’s recent security direction.
“Our governor came into office with a clear blueprint for securing the state. The federal government is now moving in the same direction, which shows we have been ahead of the curve.”
Participants of the three-week intensive programme described the training as timely and transformational.
Yonbish Mwansat Raymond, an acting desk officer from Mangu Local Government, said the experience equipped them with skills needed to defend vulnerable communities.
“Coming from a vulnerable community, I am confident that with this training, we can better protect our people,” he said.
Female trainees Dankaram Donald and Rejoice Plangji also expressed appreciation to Governor Caleb Mutfwang for the empowerment.
“It has been an intense three weeks. I am ready to do this work with all my strength,” Plangji said.
“Our communities have suffered attacks. When we return, we will try our best to ensure safety,” DonalD added.
The Plateau State Government says the ongoing training underscores its determination to rebuild and reinforce local security structures amid rising national security concerns.
With Operation Rainbow undergoing expansion and restructuring, the state hopes to strengthen intelligence gathering, improve early response mechanisms, and fortify community-level defenses across all 17 local government areas.
Further phases of the training are expected to bring the number of recruited operatives to 1,500, marking one of the largest community-based security initiatives in the state’s recent history.
