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Insecurity has become a monthly nightmare for the residents of Plateau State, and the recent attack on Christmas Eve in 2023 further adds to the growing concerns. The attack resulted in a significant number of casualties, with the death toll now above 200 and many others injured.
The Coordinator of Operation Rainbow in Pleateu State, AIG Dabup Makama (Rtd), has accused the security agencies in the state of complicity and failure to rise to their primary responsibility of securing lives and property of the people of the state.
AIG Makama (Rtd) shed some light on the complicity of security agencies in the state during an interview with CEOAfrica on Saturday, January 6, 2024.
He stated that the primary role of Operation Rainbow is to complement the efforts of security agencies in the state by providing timely intelligence through their desk officers at the local government level, which is then channeled to the appropriate quarters.
“It is a very sad situation because before this massacre of our people, the Operation Rainbow intelligence report alerted the formal security agencies in the state of what was about to happen. Regrettably, our people were killed in hundreds and the security agencies did nothing to avert this killings.
“I commend President Bola Tinubu who sent Vice President Kashim Shettima and the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, for an on the spot assessment of the level of destruction and killing of innocent people carried out in our dear state.
“This is terrorism at the highest level and perpetrators must be brought to book.
According to intelligence gathered from some displaced persons among the victims, they alleged that some military personnel were seen firing at innocent persons during this killing.
“For us to have a lasting solution to insecurity that Plateau State is currently facing, President Tinubu should mandate holistic investigation of the complicity of the security agencies in the state and the finding should be made public,” he said.
AIG Makama (Rtd) further stated that: “The promise of Governor Caleb Mutfwang, before and after assuming office, if you recall, is to revamp Operation Rainbow, which was approved by the Nigerian President and created by the enabling Law of the Plateau State House of Assembly to further complement the formal security agencies in the state.
“The Governor, His Excellency, Caleb Mutfwang has ordered the deployment of the trained 600 people, who are going to be identified by their uniforms as Operation Rainbow’s Neighbourhood Operatives, to commence the internal first-line defensce of the various local government areas (LGAS) in the state.
“In a strong show of support for Operation Rainbow, Governor Caleb Mutfwang has also assured of his government readiness to acquire gadgets to boost the efforts of Operation Rainbow in combating insecurity and ensuring the safety of the good people of Plateau State.”
With the increasing death toll in the recent attacks, the state government and security forces are striving to bring to an end the nightmare of insecurity that has plagued Plateau State. The deployment of Operation Rainbow, along with the additional officers, signifies a united front against the threat to the peace and well-being of the residents.
As the call for full investigation into the Christmas killings takes centre stage, it is hoped that those responsible will be brought to justice, and measures will be implemented to prevent future tragedies.
AIG Dabup Makama (Rtd) is a man with an impressive track record, having served in various capacities since he joined the Police force since 1986. He served diligently and rose through the ranks to become Commissioner of Police in states like Anambra, Ogun, Benue, Kware, Akwa Ibom, and the enviable height of Assistant Inspector-General of Police in 2020 before he retired. He belongs to International Association of Chiefs of Police, USA; National Organisation of Black Law Enforcement Executives and has attended various on-the-job courses outside the country.He has also competently participated in various high-profile investigations and operations within and outside the country including United Nations mission in Haiti, suppression of Niger Delta insurgency and active participation in the fight against kidnapping, armed robbery and sundry crimes in the South East, Nigeria. Little wonder he is assuming his current role as the coordinator of Operation Rainbow in Plateau State. His commitment to restoring peace and tranquility to the region is clearly evident with operational strategy of Operation Rainbow.
AIG Makama (Rtd) has just been announced as a king in Mikang Local Government Area of Plateau State.