Plateau Youth Groups Reject 'Distraction' Allegations Against DSS, Call for Expanded Security Operations

Timescope News 

Coalition defends intelligence-driven operations amid claims of misconduct, links social media allegations to resurgence of attacks

JOS – A coalition of indigenous youth associations in Plateau State has called on the Federal and State Governments to expand intelligence-led security operations across vulnerable communities, while dismissing recent allegations against operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) as a deliberate attempt to undermine counter-terrorism efforts.

Speaking at a joint press conference Wednesday at the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Secretariat in Jos, representatives from 11 ethnic youth groups including the Afizere, Anaguta, Berom, Irigwe, and Mwagavwul urged security agencies to remain focused on their constitutional mandate despite what they described as "frivolous and malicious" accusations.

Barr. Dalyop Solomon Mwantiri, Northern zone Chairman of the coalition, flanked by Ambassador Ezekiel Peter Bini, Chairman of the State Coalition of Indigenous Youth Nationalities, told journalists that Plateau communities have endured years of killings, displacement, and destruction that have left thousands homeless and forced many to abandon their farms and ancestral homes.

"We are dealing with a prolonged humanitarian crisis that demands coordinated intelligence gathering, stronger inter-agency collaboration, and sustained military operations—not routine responses," Mwantiri said.

The coalition commended the deployment of a DSS operational camp to Barkin Ladi in May 2026, describing it as a significant boost to peace efforts in communities that had suffered repeated attacks. According to the groups, the base came under attack on June 1 by suspected Fulani militants and terrorist elements shortly after becoming operational, but DSS personnel successfully repelled the assault.

The youth leaders claimed that prior to the deployment, over 200 people had been killed within five months in communities around the Barkin Ladi axis, with many others displaced.

"Intelligence-led operations by the DSS have significantly reduced attacks in the area, with the exception of the July 4 incident in Sabon Layi, where three vigilante operatives lost their lives," Mwantiri noted.

The coalition expressed concern over allegations circulating on social media accusing DSS personnel of sexually harassing Fulani women and intimidating residents during security operations around Kwok, also known as Ruga Jalo, in Barkin Ladi Local Government Area.

While emphasising that all allegations against security agencies should be investigated transparently, the groups maintained that available information from communities did not support the claims being circulated.

"Unverified allegations and misinformation should not be allowed to undermine legitimate security operations. False narratives could embolden criminal groups and weaken efforts to restore peace," the coalition stated.

The youth organisations linked the allegations to a resurgence of violence, claiming that shortly after the reports gained public attention, armed attackers moved from the Kwok axis and launched fresh attacks on Kum village in Riyom Local Government Area, where a three-month-old baby and eight others were reportedly killed.

Armed men later attacked Tanjol and Vwak hamlets in Jol Community, as well as Wereng-Rim in Riyom, resulting in additional casualties and injuries to local vigilantes, the coalition alleged.

"We have observed a recurring pattern renewed attacks often follow attempts to discredit ongoing security operations," Mwantiri said.

The coalition urged the Plateau State Government to strengthen collaboration with the DSS and other security agencies, and to replicate the intelligence-led security model introduced in Barkin Ladi across other vulnerable local government areas, including Riyom, Bokkos, Mangu, Bassa, Jos South, Kanam, and Qua'an Pan.

According to the groups, expanding proactive security deployments backed by intelligence and sustained operational presence would improve protection of lives and property, restore public confidence, and deny criminal groups freedom to operate.

The youth associations pledged their support for lawful, intelligence-driven security operations aimed at dismantling terrorist networks, reclaiming illegally occupied communities, and ensuring residents can return safely to their ancestral homes.

"We appeal to citizens to cooperate with security agencies by providing credible intelligence, rejecting misinformation, and supporting efforts to achieve lasting peace in Plateau State," the coalition said.