The Coalition of Plateau State Indigenous Youth Bodies has alleged a plot by suspected terrorist networks to launch a counter-propaganda campaign against the Department of State Services (DSS) and other security agencies operating in Plateau State.
In a press statement dated October 23, 2026, the coalition claimed it had received intelligence indicating that some groups described as Fulani terrorist networks were planning to hold a world press conference in Abuja to portray ongoing security operations as genocide against Fulani communities.
The coalition said the alleged move followed its October 21 press conference at the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ) Secretariat in Abuja, where it raised concerns about attacks on indigenous communities in Plateau State.
According to the group, the planned campaign was intended to discredit the joint operations of the DSS, Mobile Police Force and Operation Rainbow, which it said had weakened criminal networks and contributed to a reduction in attacks on villages and communities.
The allegations have not been independently verified.
The coalition, which represents indigenous youth organisations across Plateau State, accused the alleged campaign organisers of attempting to portray security operations as ethnically motivated rather than efforts to combat terrorism and banditry.
It also disputed anticipated allegations that the DSS was acquiring and supplying drones to indigenous communities to monitor Fulani herders during grazing activities.
The group described the allegation as unsubstantiated and argued that aerial surveillance was an important tool for security agencies in protecting personnel, safeguarding communities and preventing criminal activities.
It called on the Federal Government and relevant authorities to investigate those behind the alleged planned press conference and prosecute anyone found to have violated the law.
The coalition further alleged that the planned campaign would accuse the Plateau State Director of the DSS, Mr Paul Damian, of tribal bias because of his handling of security operations against suspected terrorist networks.
Rejecting the anticipated accusation, the group cited the DSS’s operations in Wase Local Government Area, where it said the agency had maintained a forward operating base for more than five years.
It questioned why allegations of bias were allegedly emerging now that security operations had extended to other parts of the state, including Barkin Ladi, Bassa, Bokkos, Jos South, Mangu and Riyom.
The coalition maintained that communities affected by attacks, killings, kidnappings, displacement and destruction of farmlands deserved sustained protection and effective security measures.
It urged the Federal, Plateau State and local governments, as well as the international community, to carefully examine competing claims surrounding the security situation in the state.
The group also called for an independent and impartial inquiry into its allegations, insisting that claims of human rights violations and ethnic persecution should be subjected to evidence-based investigation.
Reaffirming its support for the DSS, Mobile Police Force and Operation Rainbow, the coalition said it would not be deterred by what it described as propaganda against ongoing efforts to tackle insecurity in Plateau State.
The statement was jointly signed by Amb. Ezekiel Peter Bini, President of the Irigwe Youths Movement and Chairman of the Coalition of Indigenous Youth Nationalities in Plateau State; Dalyop Solomon Mwantiri, President of the Berom Youths Moulder-Association; Amb. Miri Timnan Nyantau, President of the Tarok Progressive Youths Association; and Jonathan Kyesmang Yusuf, President of the Mwaghavul Youths Movement.
The coalition urged the public not to accept allegations from any side without independent verification, stressing the need for accountability, credible investigations and sustained efforts to restore peace across Plateau State.