A coalition of indigenous youth associations in Plateau State has urged security agencies not to be distracted by what it described as unsubstantiated allegations against operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS), insisting that ongoing intelligence-led operations in parts of the state should be sustained to curb terrorism and banditry.
The position was contained in a joint press statement issued on Wednesday by the Afizere, Anaguta, Atakar, Atten, Berom, Irigwe, Kunlere, Mushere, Mwagavwul, Pan and Ron Youth Associations in conjunction with the Coalition of Plateau State Indigenous Youths Bodies during a press briefing held at the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Press Centre in Jos.
The groups described the security situation in Plateau as a prolonged humanitarian crisis, lamenting that years of violent attacks had claimed hundreds of lives, displaced thousands of residents, destroyed communities, and disrupted economic activities across affected local government areas. They stressed the need for improved intelligence gathering, inter-agency collaboration, strategic deployment of security personnel, and sustained operations against criminal elements.
According to the statement, the deployment of a DSS operational camp in Barkin Ladi Local Government Area in May 2026 brought renewed hope to residents who had endured persistent attacks. The coalition commended the agency for repelling an attack on its facility on June 1 and said intelligence-driven operations had contributed to a noticeable reduction in attacks in the area.
The youth groups, however, expressed concern over allegations circulating in the public space accusing DSS operatives of misconduct during operations around Kwok, also known as “Ruga Jalo.” While acknowledging that allegations against security personnel should be investigated thoroughly and impartially, they maintained that the claims should not be treated as established facts without credible evidence. They alleged that the accusations were intended to undermine ongoing security operations.
The coalition further claimed that shortly after the allegations gained public attention, renewed attacks were recorded in parts of Riyom and Barkin Ladi Local Government Areas, including incidents in Kum, Tanjol, Wak, Jol and Wereng-Rim communities. The groups argued that the pattern suggested attempts to distract security agencies from ongoing operations, while acknowledging that the responsibility for establishing the facts rests with the appropriate authorities.
Calling for stronger action against terrorism and banditry, the organisations urged the Federal Government, the Plateau State Government, security agencies, traditional institutions and civil society groups to remain united in confronting insecurity across the state. They also appealed to the Plateau State Government to strengthen collaboration with the DSS and replicate intelligence-led security operations in other vulnerable local government areas, including Riyom, Bokkos, Mangu, Bassa, Jos South, Kanam and Quan Pan.
The coalition reaffirmed its support for security agencies carrying out lawful operations and called on residents to cooperate by providing credible information, rejecting misinformation, and working collectively to restore lasting peace and security in Plateau State.
The statement was jointly signed by the State Chairman of the Coalition of Indigenous Youth Nationalities, Ambassador Ezekiel Peter Bini, and the Northern Zone Chairman, Barrister Dalyop Solomon Mwantiri, on behalf of the participating youth organisations.