Plateau State to deploy Operation Rainbow camps across all 17 local government areas

Plateau State Governor Caleb Mutfwang declared that his government plans to deploy functional bases for the state security force, Operation Rainbow, across every one of the state's 17 local government areas. This measure forms part of a wider strategy aimed at boosting intelligence collection and countering the increasing instability plaguing the region. The governor made the disclosure during a passing-out parade for 353 retrained operatives held at the Zaria Road Stadium in Jos on Monday, 9 November 2026.

According to Mutfwang, 11 operational camps have already been established as part of this initiative. He stated that vehicles and motorcycles would be distributed to the operatives to facilitate their deployment to their respective local government areas. The governor emphasized that the primary objective of these camps is to serve as early warning systems for conventional security agencies, ensuring a more rapid response to emerging threats.

Background

Operation Rainbow is described by the state government as an intelligence-gathering outfit rather than an armed combat force. Governor Mutfwang clarified that the personnel are trained to complement, not replace, conventional security agencies in tackling criminal activities. He noted that because the operatives are residents of the communities where they operate, they possess specific knowledge of the terrain that can assist security forces in identifying threats and responding to emergencies.

To support this mission, the state government has invested in technological infrastructure. Such efforts involve deploying drones to improve immediate data acquisition and creating a command hub to refine surveillance and the prompt distribution of security information. Furthermore, the state has established the Plateau State Special Activities Centre, or PSAC, which utilizes drones and monitoring equipment to enable security officials to track events throughout the state instantly. The governor also revealed that Operation Rainbow has provided more than 25 armored vehicles to Operation Enduring Peace and other security bodies to aid their field operations.

The retraining of the 353 operatives was aimed at improving their professional competence, discipline, and intelligence-gathering skills. Mutfwang instructed the personnel to cooperate closely with regular security forces, traditional bodies, and local leaders, emphasizing that sharing intelligence and working together are vital for securing permanent peace. He further cautioned against intentional efforts by certain people to tarnish the reputation of security staff via social platforms, contending that such behavior could weaken security efforts and encourage criminal activity.

Why it matters

The expansion of Operation Rainbow camps is significant for the residents of Plateau State, who have faced persistent security challenges. By establishing a presence in all 17 local government areas, the state aims to ensure that intelligence is gathered locally and transmitted quickly to relevant security bodies. The governor characterized peace and safety as top priorities for his government, signaling a move toward a more cohesive and technology-focused method of managing state security. The involvement of local residents as intelligence operatives is intended to leverage community knowledge to identify threats that external security forces might miss. Furthermore, the provision of modern equipment, such as drones and gun trucks, is expected to enhance the operational capacity of both Operation Rainbow and the conventional security agencies it supports.

What happens next

The administration plans to complete the establishment of the remaining operational camps to cover all 17 local government areas. Vehicles and motorcycles are to be distributed to the operatives to enable their deployment. The focus will remain on the integration of intelligence from these local camps with the central command and control centre and the Plateau State Special Activities Centre. The governor advised the personnel to maintain professionalism, honesty, and self-control in their roles, reminding them that they are subject to the law.