Insecurity: Plateau to recruit 1,000 youths into Operation Rainbow

Plateau State Governor, Caleb Mutfwang, has restated his administration’s commitment to justice, security, and unity across the state, with plans to recruit over 1,000 youths into the community security outfit, Operation Rainbow.

In a Monday post by the Directorate of Press on X, it was stated that Mutfwang made the pledge on Sunday at St. Theresa Catholic Church, Jos, during the commencement of the 2025/2026 Legal Year.

The service, attended by judicial officers, clergy, and legal practitioners, marked the formal opening of the judiciary’s calendar.

“The God who has kept us this far will sustain us for the days ahead,” the governor said, describing the occasion as one of thanksgiving and renewal.

Reflecting on the judiciary’s challenges, he commended judicial officers for their resilience despite resource limitations.

“When we assumed office, we met a judiciary weighed down by numerous challenges.

“Yet, you have remained steadfast, discharging your duties with courage and dignity,” he noted.

The governor disclosed that steps had been taken to improve the welfare of retired judges.

“We have taken concrete actions to ameliorate their situation by beginning the payment of their outstanding entitlements.

“Though the process is ongoing, it has commenced and by God’s grace, it will be completed,” he assured.

Mutfwang also cautioned judicial officers on the use of discretion.

“Judicial discretion used judiciously serves the ends of justice. But discretion abused will weigh heavily on a man’s conscience, and he will not be able to stand before his Creator,” he warned.

On security, he announced the expansion of Operation Rainbow, the state-backed community policing initiative.

By the grace of God, we will soon recruit over 1,000 youths who will be posted back to their communities as both the first and last line of defense, complementing conventional security agencies,” he said.

He stressed the need to resist “those who profit from insecurity.”

Mutfwang emphasised unity among Christians as a driving force for Plateau’s progress.

“The body of Christ is one, and what binds us together is the sacrifice of Jesus on the cross of Calvary,” he said, while thanking the Catholic Bishop of Jos and the parish priest of St. Theresa’s for hosting the service.

Reiterating his resolve to govern with courage and transparency, the governor declared,”We have no other agenda than to make Plateau better than we met it.

“Though there may be giants on our way to hinder, by the grace of God, we shall overcome.”

Delivering the homily, Parish Priest of St. Theresa Catholic Church, Very Rev. Fr. Paul Pam, stressed the importance of spiritual life for Christians.

“True peace anchored in Christ gives hope and direction,” he said, urging believers to live according to God’s will, shun wickedness, and embrace righteousness.

He prayed for Nigerian leaders, asking God to “open their eyes to the hardships confronting the nation and to guide them toward solutions for the liberation of mankind.”

Fr. Pam also commended the governor for his efforts in infrastructure and peacebuilding.

“God will reward your efforts. You are committed to unity and interventions across all sectors of the economy, and this is remarkable,” he added.

In his remarks, Chief Judge of Plateau State, Justice David Mann, expressed gratitude for divine preservation over the judiciary in the past year and prayed for wisdom, guidance, and protection for members of the Bar and Bench in the new legal year.