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 rising above 200 and many others left injured.
Retired Assistant Inspector General of Police (AIG) and the current Coordinator of Operation Rainbow, in Pleateu State, AIG Dabup Makama rtd, has accused the formal security architecture of the state of complicity and failure to rise to their primary responsibility of securing lives and property of the good people of the state.
AIG Makama rtd shed some light on the complicity in the present insecurity in the state during an interview with CEOAfrica on 6th of January 2024.
He stated that the primary role of Operation Rainbow is to complement the efforts of the formal security forces 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 forces in the State of what was about to happen, regrettably our people were killed in hundreds and the formal security forces did nothing to avert this killing.
“I commend President Bola Tinubu who sent the Vice President Kashim Shettima and the National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu for on ground 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, 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 forces in the State and the finding should be made public.” he stated.
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 forces in the state.
“The Governor, His Excellency, Dr Caleb Mutfwang has ordered the deployments 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 defense of their various Local Government Areas (LGAS) in the state.”
In a strong show of support for Operation Rainbow, Governor Caleb Manasseh 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 the 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 has served patriotic and risen as far as the Commissioner of Police in states like Anambra, Ogun, Benue, Kware, Akwa Ibom and the enviable Assistant Inspector-General of Police in 2020 before he retired. He belongs to International Association of Chiefs of Police USA, National Organization 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 His Royal Highness in Mikang Local Government of Plateau State.