***Coalition alleges ₦20m campaign to frustrate crackdown, demands probe of alleged military collusion
Indigenous youth organisations in Plateau State have accused groups representing Fulani interests of attempting to undermine security operations through petitions and social media campaigns targeting security agencies.
Addressing a press conference at the NUJ FCT Council in Abuja on Wednesday, the coalition urged President Bola Tinubu to sustain joint operations involving the Department of State Services (DSS), Mobile Police Force and Operation Rainbow.
The youth leaders alleged that sponsors of armed militants were raising ₦20 million to fund media campaigns, court cases and petitions aimed at frustrating the security crackdown. They, however, presented no independent evidence to substantiate the claim.
The coalition was responding to a petition dated October 5, 2026, reportedly signed by Mujahid Abdullahi on behalf of Plateau chapters of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN), Gan Allah Fulani Development Association of Nigeria (GAFDAN), Fulbe Youth Development Association (FUYODA) and other organisations.
The petitioners reportedly accused security operatives of bias and responsibility for killings, abductions, cattle rustling and attacks on livestock. A video circulating on social media allegedly made similar claims while portraying the Nigerian Army as the force most committed to restoring peace in the state.
But the indigenous youth coalition dismissed the allegations as an attempt to discredit security agencies and weaken cooperation among them.
The group claimed that joint operations had exposed links between cattle grazing on farmlands and armed men accused of attacking communities. It further alleged that at least 152 hamlets, villages and communities had suffered attacks, although it provided no independent documentation of the figure.
Defending DSS State Director Paul Damian against allegations of involvement in killings and cattle rustling, the coalition cited several reported attacks on security personnel as evidence of the dangers confronting those involved in the operations.
The youth leaders alleged that two DSS officers were killed during an attack on Tanjol and Tarai villages on August 23, 2026. They also reported the deaths of Mobile Police officers in Dares and Kwi villages and the alleged killing of Operation Rainbow Operations Officer, DSP David Babale, near Rakok village.
The incidents and the coalition’s account of them could not be independently verified.
Despite defending the DSS and other agencies, the coalition called for an investigation into allegations of unprofessional conduct, compromise and collusion involving some military personnel.
It argued that allegations of misconduct should be investigated without disrupting legitimate security operations or weakening intelligence sharing among agencies.
The group warned that withdrawing the DSS, Mobile Police Force or Operation Rainbow from Plateau State could undermine efforts to protect communities and expose residents to further attacks and displacement.
“We smell a rat,” the coalition said, describing the petition and video as “ploys and strategies of distraction.”
The statement was signed by Amb. Ezekiel Peter Bini, chairman of the coalition; Dalyop Solomon Mwantiri; Amb. Miri Timnan Nyantau; and Jonathan Kyesmang Yusuf.
The dispute underscores the difficult balance facing authorities in Plateau: maintaining pressure on armed groups while ensuring that allegations of bias, abuse and collusion are investigated impartially. Establishing the facts behind the competing claims will be essential to sustaining public confidence and restoring lasting peace.