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Plateau Government Trains Over 1,400 Community Officers to Strengthen Grassroots Security Under Operation Rainbow
The Plateau State Government has stepped up efforts to bolster community security through the recruitment and training of over 1,400 local security officers under its security outfit, Operation Rainbow.
The intensive training, which is ongoing at the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) Command and Staff College in Jos East, represents a renewed push by Governor Caleb Mutfwang’s administration to revamp Operation Rainbow — a community-based security initiative designed to enhance intelligence gathering, early response, and protection at the grassroots level.
During an inspection visit to the training camp, the Special Adviser on Security and Homeland Safety and Acting Coordinator of Operation Rainbow, Brig. Gen. Gakji Shipi (Rtd.), said the initiative is a key component of the governor’s broader strategy to strengthen security architecture across all 17 local government areas of the state.
“Operation Rainbow is the neighborhood watch agency of the Plateau State Government,” Gen. Shipi explained. “This recruitment and training are part of our efforts to restructure the state’s security system by bringing hunters, vigilantes, and other local actors under a unified and coordinated framework. These officers will serve as the first line of defense in their respective communities.”
He noted that the trainees are being equipped with tactical and intelligence-gathering skills to improve community safety, adding that the exercise would also help the government regulate and monitor local security groups to prevent misuse.
According to Shipi, the training is being carried out in two phases, targeting 1,450 personnel in total. While the issue of arms is still being reviewed, he disclosed that a controlled level of arms has been approved to support their operations.
“There is hardly any local government in Plateau State that is completely free of security challenges,” he said. “This initiative ensures that every community has a trained and coordinated team ready to respond swiftly to threats before conventional forces arrive.”
The Camp Commandant, Chief Superintendent of Corps Patrick Gutul, explained that participants were nominated by traditional and local councils based on their record of community service and trustworthiness.
“We allowed communities to recommend individuals already active in protecting their areas,” Gutul said. “They were screened and admitted into this three-week intensive training covering discipline, physical drills, arms handling, and intelligence coordination.”
Some of the trainees, including Jennifer Jeremiah from Kwal and Dakwat Khalid Malo from Qua’anpan, expressed gratitude to Governor Mutfwang for the initiative, describing it as timely and empowering.
“This training is preparing us to serve as the first line of defense in our communities,” Jeremiah said. “We are committed to using the knowledge gained here to protect lives and ensure peace.”
The Plateau State Government has, in recent months, intensified efforts to reform and strengthen its security framework, with Operation Rainbow positioned at the heart of its community-based response strategy aimed at curbing insecurity across the state.
The chairman of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Shehu Dikko, has reaffirmed the federal government’s commitment to revitalising hockey through infrastructure, grassroots development, and domestic competitions.
At the closing ceremony of the 2026 Nigeria Hockey Super League on Saturday in Abuja, Dikko commended the Nigeria Hockey Federation for successfully organising the tournament and repositioning the sport.
“This tournament perfectly aligns with the vision of the National Sports Commission under the Renewed Hope Initiative for a vibrant sports economy,” he said.
He said discussions with African Hockey Federation President Seif El Dine Ahmed and German experts confirmed Nigeria’s immense talent capable of competing globally with the right facilities.
Dikko said President Bola Tinubu approved the nationwide rehabilitation of sports infrastructure, with the national hockey pitch to be upgraded to international standards.
“We have already identified world-class turf in consultation with the African Hockey Federation. Once upgraded, Nigeria can host major African hockey tournaments.
“Sports bring Nigerians together irrespective of tribe, religion or background, serving as a national asset and driver of economic growth through jobs and tourism,” he said.
Also speaking, Abdul Ningi, the chairman of the Senate Committee on Sports Development, called for greater investment across all sporting federations, not just football.
“Over 20 sporting federations, yet only a few consistently receive attention. Sports development must be diversified so every federation grows and contributes to national development,” he said.
Meanwhile, Deputy Commissioner of Police, Osifo Emefile, expressed satisfaction with the Nigeria Police team’s performance at the championship.
Simeon Nkom, president of NHF, described the Super League as the most successful championship, citing the quality of the competition and the dignitaries in attendance.
“I can confidently say this is the best championship we have organised.
“The presence of NSC chairman, African Hockey Federation president, sponsors, partners, and media shows recognition hockey deserves,” he said.
He said the national hockey pitch built for the 2003 All Africa Games had reached the end of its lifespan and no longer met international standards.
“We are encouraged by the federal government’s commitment through NSC to rehabilitate the facility. Once the new turf is installed, Nigeria can host major African tournaments again, boosting development,” he said.
Kaduna-based Kada Stars defeated Plateau Tigers 3-2 in the men’s final, retaining the title.
The Kada Queens beat Plateau Queens 2-0 in the women’s to also retain their title.
(NAN)
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