…Claims planned Abuja press conference will accuse security operatives of genocide, ethnic bias and supplying surveillance drones to local communities
The Coalition of Plateau State Indigenous Youth Bodies has alleged that some groups are planning a campaign against the Department of State Services (DSS) and other security agencies over ongoing operations against suspected terrorists and armed criminal groups in Plateau State.
In a statement issued on Friday, 23 October 2026, the coalition claimed that information available to it indicated that the groups were mobilising for a press conference in Abuja, where they allegedly intended to accuse the DSS, Police Mobile Force and Operation Rainbow of carrying out attacks against Fulani communities.
The coalition described the alleged plan as an attempt to discredit security operations which, according to it, have disrupted armed groups responsible for killings, kidnappings, displacement and destruction of property in several parts of Plateau State.
The statement followed the coalition’s press conference held at the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) facility in Abuja on 21 October 2026, where it raised concerns over attacks on indigenous communities and called for stronger action against those responsible.
According to the coalition, recent operations by security agencies have weakened suspected terrorist networks and brought some relief to communities that have suffered repeated attacks.
The group, however, did not disclose the identities of those allegedly planning the counter-campaign or provide documentary evidence of the purported intelligence.
The coalition identified three allegations it claimed were being prepared against the security agencies: genocide against Fulani communities, the supply of surveillance drones to indigenous communities and ethnic bias by the Plateau State Director of the DSS.
On the allegation of genocide, the coalition claimed that the proposed campaign was intended to portray operations against suspected armed groups as deliberate attacks on Fulani residents.
It rejected that position, insisting that the operations were directed at individuals suspected of involvement in terrorism, banditry and other violent crimes rather than any ethnic community.
The coalition also accused those behind the alleged campaign of attempting to divert attention from attacks, killings and displacement suffered by communities in Plateau and other parts of Nigeria.
It maintained that allegations of genocide or other serious human rights violations must be supported by credible evidence and subjected to independent investigation.
On the alleged supply of drones, the coalition claimed that the groups were preparing to accuse the DSS of purchasing and distributing surveillance equipment to indigenous communities to monitor the movement of Fulani herders.
It described the allegation as an attempt to undermine intelligence gathering and security surveillance in areas affected by armed attacks.
The statement, however, provided no evidence confirming the alleged acquisition or distribution of drones.
The coalition further alleged that the planned campaign would target the Plateau State Director of the DSS, Mr Paul Damian, by accusing him of allowing ethnic considerations to influence security operations.
It dismissed the anticipated accusation, arguing that DSS operations had also been conducted in Wase Local Government Area and other communities with substantial Fulani and Hausa populations.
According to the group, the agency’s operations in Wase had contributed to efforts to tackle banditry and other criminal activities without attracting similar accusations of ethnic bias.
The coalition questioned why allegations against the state director were allegedly being raised as security operations intensified in Barkin Ladi, Bassa, Bokkos, Jos South, Mangu, Riyom and other areas affected by attacks.
It maintained that security officers should be judged by their conduct and adherence to the law rather than their ethnic or religious backgrounds.
The coalition consequently called on the Federal Government and relevant security authorities to investigate its allegations and establish whether any individuals or organisations were deliberately circulating false information to obstruct lawful security operations.
It also demanded an independent and impartial investigation into competing claims concerning attacks on communities, displacement and the conduct of security agencies in Plateau State.
“We challenge anyone concerned about human rights and religious freedom to demand proof, not frivolous manipulation,” the statement read.
While reaffirming its support for the DSS, Police Mobile Force and Operation Rainbow, the coalition urged security agencies to sustain their operations against armed groups threatening lives and livelihoods across the state.
The group said communities affected by killings, kidnappings and destruction of property deserved protection, justice and the restoration of normal economic and social activities.
“We stand firmly with the DSS, Mobile Police and Operation Rainbow. We will not be distracted by propaganda, neither shall we back out because of terror,” it declared.
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 Northern Zone Coordinator; Amb. Miri Timnan Nyantau, President of the Tarok Progressive Youth Association and Southern Zone Coordinator; and Mr Jonathan Kyesmang Yusuf, President of the Mwaghavul youth organisation and Central Zone Coordinator.
The coalition’s allegations concerning the planned press conference, the individuals allegedly involved and the conduct of security agencies have not been independently verified by Trill Times News. No response from the DSS or the groups accused in the statement was available at the time of preparing this report.