The Northern Zone Chairman of the Coalition of Indigenous Youth Nationalities, Barr. Dalyop Solomon Mwantiri, has called on the Federal Government to strengthen the operations of the Department of State Services (DSS) in Plateau State, saying intelligence-led security remains key to ending terrorism and banditry.
Mwantiri made the call on Tuesday while briefing journalists at the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Press Centre in Jos on behalf of indigenous youth associations and the Coalition of Plateau State Indigenous Youths Bodies.
He lamented the resurgence of attacks across Plateau, disclosing that no fewer than 50 people have been killed within the last three weeks in Bokkos, Barkin Ladi, Riyom and Bassa local government areas.
“Within the last three weeks alone, Plateau has recorded not less than 50 deaths. This shows the security challenge is far from over,” he said.
The youth leader said beyond humanitarian assistance, victims deserved justice and adequate security, describing both as the greatest relief government could provide.
“The greatest relief victims can get is justice. The second is security that will enable them to return safely to their ancestral homes,” Mwantiri stated.
He commended the deployment of DSS operatives to Barkin Ladi, saying intelligence-driven operations by the agency had significantly reduced attacks and restored confidence among residents.
According to him, the gains recorded began to diminish after allegations against DSS personnel surfaced on social media, which he described as false and distracting.
“We witnessed tremendous improvement in security after the DSS deployment until fictitious claims and falsehoods dominated the public space. Today, we are witnessing renewed attacks on innocent communities,” he said.
Mwantiri described the plight of internally displaced persons as “very pathetic,” noting that although the Plateau State Government had begun constructing 100 housing units for some victims in Bassa, many displaced families were yet to return to their communities.
He appealed to the Federal Government to deploy more DSS personnel to vulnerable communities across Plateau, insisting that the agency had demonstrated professionalism and patriotism in combating insecurity.
The coalition also backed the proposed establishment of state police, urging the National Assembly to fast-track the legislation while recommending that traditional rulers be involved in the recruitment process to prevent infiltration by criminal elements.
Mwantiri further criticised what he described as selective security reporting, accusing security analyst Zagazola Makama of highlighting allegations against the DSS while failing to acknowledge the agency’s successes in Plateau.
“A security analyst should report objectively. You cannot ignore the successes of the DSS and only amplify unverified allegations. Such reporting does not help the fight against terrorism,” he said.
He urged residents to support security agencies with credible intelligence and reject misinformation, stressing that “the blood of our people cries for justice, not vengeance,” while calling for sustained efforts to restore lasting peace across Plateau State.
