 |
| Plateau State Governor Caleb Mutfwang with newly appointed Operation Rainbow Coordinator, retired Brigadier General Nash Yakubu. |
JOS, PLATEAU STATE – July 3, 2026
Plateau State Governor, Barr. Caleb Mutfwang, has approved a major restructuring of the state's security architecture with the appointment of retired Brigadier General Nash Yakubu as the new Coordinator of Operation Rainbow, the state's homegrown security outfit.
The appointment comes amid renewed efforts by the Plateau State Government to strengthen intelligence gathering, improve coordination among security agencies, and respond more effectively to persistent security threats affecting several communities across the state.
The announcement follows a series of violent attacks in parts of Plateau, including Bokkos, Barkin Ladi, Riyom, Mangu and Jos South local government areas, where communities have continued to grapple with killings, kidnappings, attacks on farming settlements and criminal activities.
According to a statement issued by the Plateau State Government, the restructuring is part of broader reforms designed to reposition Operation Rainbow as a more effective security support agency working alongside the military, police, the Department of State Services (DSS), the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), and other security organisations.
Governor Mutfwang said protecting lives and property remains one of the foremost responsibilities of his administration, adding that the evolving security situation requires stronger coordination and proactive intelligence gathering.
He expressed confidence that the new leadership would inject professionalism and strategic direction into the state's security framework.
Retired Brigadier General Nash Yakubu is a seasoned military officer with decades of experience in security operations, conflict management and strategic planning.
Government officials believe his military background and operational experience will strengthen Operation Rainbow's capacity for intelligence collection, early warning, surveillance and collaboration with federal security agencies.
Although Operation Rainbow is not a conventional armed force, it serves as a strategic security support organisation established to assist in intelligence gathering, conflict prevention and community engagement across Plateau State.
Security analysts have consistently argued that effective intelligence gathering remains one of the most important tools in addressing insecurity in Plateau State.
Unlike reactive security operations that respond after attacks occur, intelligence-led policing focuses on identifying threats before violence erupts.
The restructuring is therefore expected to improve information sharing between local communities and security agencies while enhancing rapid response capabilities.
Community leaders have repeatedly called for closer cooperation between residents and security personnel to prevent attacks and identify criminal elements operating within rural communities.
Plateau State has witnessed recurring security crises over the years, with attacks often linked to communal disputes, criminal gangs, banditry and farmer-herder conflicts.
In recent months alone, several communities have recorded deadly attacks resulting in loss of lives, destruction of property and displacement of residents.
The persistent insecurity has also affected farming activities, disrupted economic livelihoods and heightened humanitarian concerns in parts of the state.
Governor Mutfwang has repeatedly maintained that lasting peace will require a combination of improved security operations, community dialogue, intelligence gathering and socio-economic interventions.
Residents and security stakeholders have largely welcomed the appointment, expressing hope that the restructuring will strengthen the state's response to emerging security threats.
Some civil society organisations, however, urged the government to complement security reforms with investments in youth employment, education and conflict resolution initiatives, arguing that addressing the root causes of violence remains essential to achieving sustainable peace.
They also called for adequate funding, training and logistical support for Operation Rainbow to enable it effectively discharge its responsibilities.
As Plateau continues to confront evolving security challenges, the success of the restructuring will likely depend on effective collaboration between Operation Rainbow, conventional security agencies, community leaders and residents.
More on Farmer-Herder Crisis