By Israel Adamu, Jos
The Coalition of Plateau State Indigenous Youth Bodies has alleged a plot by some groups to launch a counter-propaganda campaign against the Department of State Services, DSS, and other security agencies operating in Plateau State.
The group alleged that the planned campaign would seek to portray the operations of the DSS, Mobile Police Force and Operation Rainbow in the state as discriminatory against a section of the population.
In a statement dated October 23, 2026, and signed by Amb. Ezekiel Peter Bini, Chairman of the Coalition of Indigenous Youth Nationalities, Plateau State; Dalyop Solomon Mwantiri, President, Berom Youths Moulder-Association; Amb. Miri Timnan Nyantau, President, Tarok Progressive Youths Association; and Mr. Jonathan Kyesmang Yusuf, President, Mwaghavul Youths Movement, the group said it had received information about the alleged plan.
The statement made available to newsmen on Saturday said, “Following our World Press Conference held at the Nigerian Union of Journalists Secretariat in Abuja on 21st October, 2026, the Coalition has received information of a plan to launch an aggressive counter-propaganda campaign.”
It added, “According to reliable sources, some groups are planning to stage a World Press Conference to portray the joint operations of the Department of State Services (DSS), the Mobile Police Force, and Operation Rainbow as discriminatory against a section of the population.”
The coalition said, “Our sources indicate that after our last press conference, individuals involved in the campaign have moved to launch further claims aimed at discrediting the operations of the DSS and other security agencies.”
It said, “Since these operations commenced, hamlets, villages and communities have expressed relief and commended the bravery and consistency of the security agencies.”
On allegations concerning the use of drones by security agencies, the group said, “Our sources further reveal that these groups intend to allege that the DSS is purchasing and supplying drones to indigenous communities to monitor herders.”
The coalition added, “We consider this an unsubstantiated allegation which could undermine legitimate security operations, particularly the use of aerial surveillance for community safety, crime prevention and the protection of security personnel.”
On the Plateau State Director of DSS, Mr. Paul Damian, the group said, “The Coalition is duty-bound to draw attention to another element in the draft of their planned press conference , an attempt to portray the Plateau State Director of DSS, Mr. Paul Damian, as biased because of his position and the security operations being carried out under his leadership.”
It added, “For over five years, the DSS has maintained a Forward Operating Base in Wase LGA, and its operations there, at great risk to officers and men, have contributed to efforts to improve the safety of residents.”
The coalition said, “We therefore call on the Nigerian Government and relevant authorities to investigate the issues surrounding the planned press conference and take appropriate action where any person is found to have breached the law.”
It also called for an independent inquiry into the competing claims surrounding security operations in the state.
The statement said, “As the Coalition of Plateau State Indigenous Youth Bodies, we are ready and hereby call for an independent and impartial inquiry to ascertain the truth of our assertions.”
The group said, “The propaganda being launched must not be accepted as truth without independent verification. We challenge anyone concerned about human rights and freedom to demand evidence and allow the appropriate authorities to establish the facts.”
It added, “We stand firmly with the DSS, Mobile Police and Operation Rainbow. We will not be distracted by propaganda, nor shall we retreat because of terror. Plateau is our heritage and must remain safe for all law-abiding citizens.”