Plateau Youths Allege Campaign to Undermine DSS Anti-Terror Operations

.A coalition of indigenous youth groups in Plateau State has alleged the existence of a coordinated campaign aimed at undermining the operations of the Department of State Services (DSS) in the fight against terrorism and banditry across parts of the State.

The allegation was made on Wednesday during a press briefing held at the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Secretariat in Jos, where the coalition expressed concern over what it described as deliberate attempts to distract security agencies from ongoing intelligence-led operations.

The joint statement was presented by Barr. Dalyop Solomon Mwantiri, Northern Zone Coalition Chairman of Indigenous Youths Nationalities, on behalf of the Afizere, Anaguta, Atakar, Atten, Berom, Irigwe, Kulere, Mushere, Mwaghavul, Pan and Ron Youth Associations, alongside the Coalition of Plateau State Indigenous Youth Bodies.

The Coalition said the indigenous people of Plateau have endured years of killings, displacements, destruction of farmlands and occupation of ancestral communities, describing the security situation as a prolonged humanitarian crisis that has left thousands of families homeless.

According to the group, despite repeated interventions by governments and security agencies, attacks have continued, making it necessary for security institutions to adopt intelligence-driven operations capable of dismantling terrorist networks and preventing further violence.

The youths commended the deployment of a DSS operational camp to Barkin Ladi Local Government Area in May 2026, saying it restored hope to communities that had lived under persistent attacks for several years.

They claimed that shortly after the camp became operational on June 1, it allegedly came under attack by armed Fulani militants, bandits and other terrorist elements, but the operatives successfully repelled the assault through what they described as professionalism and operational preparedness.

The Coalition further alleged that before the DSS deployment, over 200 persons had reportedly been killed within five months around the Barkin Ladi axis, while many residents fled their homes due to repeated attacks.

According to the statement, the intelligence-led operations of the DSS significantly reduced attacks in the area, with the exception of the July 4 incident in Sabon Layi, Barkin Ladi, where three vigilante operatives reportedly lost their lives.

The Coalition, however, expressed concern over allegations that DSS personnel sexually harassed Fulani women and intimidated men during operations around Kwok, also known as “Ruga Jalo,” saying the claims surfaced just as the security operations were yielding positive results.

While insisting that any allegation of misconduct against security personnel should be investigated transparently, the group argued that unverified claims should not be accepted as facts or allowed to derail legitimate security operations.

The youths maintained that, based on information available to them from communities in the area, they found no evidence to support allegations of sexual harassment, intimidation, destruction of property or other abuses attributed to the DSS personnel.

They warned against what they described as the spread of misinformation and propaganda capable of weakening public confidence in security agencies and giving criminal elements opportunities to regroup.

The Coalition also linked the emergence of the allegations to renewed attacks in Riyom Local Government Area, alleging that armed attackers later invaded Kum village, killing a three-month-old baby and eight other persons, mostly women, before carrying out further attacks on Tanjol, Vwak and Wereng-Rim communities.

According to the group, although security agencies remain responsible for establishing the circumstances surrounding the incidents, communities have observed a recurring pattern where allegations against security agencies emerge whenever sustained operations begin to restrict the activities of terrorists.

The Coalition called on all security agencies not to be distracted by what it described as frivolous or malicious accusations, urging authorities to remain focused on protecting lives and ensuring that those responsible for violent attacks are brought to justice.

It also appealed to the Federal Government, the Plateau State Government, traditional rulers, civil society organisations and all Nigerians to strengthen collaboration against terrorism, while urging the state government to replicate the intelligence-driven security architecture in Barkin Ladi across other vulnerable local government areas, including Riyom, Bokkos, Mangu, Bassa, Jos South, Kanam and Qua’an Pan.

The Coalition concluded by reaffirming its support for the DSS and other security agencies carrying out lawful operations, while calling on citizens to provide credible intelligence, reject misinformation and remain united in the pursuit of justice, lasting peace and the restoration of security across Plateau State.