The Plateau State Government has strongly refuted allegations that Muslims and Hausa–Fulani applicants were sidelined in the second batch of recruitment and training for Operation Rainbow, the state’s community-based security outfit. The allegations had been raised by the Plateau State chapter of the Gan Allah Fulani Development Association of Nigeria (GAFDAN), which claimed that the ongoing training in Jos excluded Muslims and Fulani participants.
Brigadier General Gakji Shipi (Rtd.), the Special Adviser on Security and Homeland Safety to Governor Caleb Mutfwang, who also serves as the Acting Coordinator of Operation Rainbow, dismissed the claim on Friday. Speaking during a press briefing at the NSCDC Command and Staff College in Jos East, Shipi described GAFDAN’s statement as false and based on incomplete and misleading information.
According to Shipi, the recruitment process for both the first and second batches of the Operation Rainbow programme was open, inclusive, and based strictly on merit. He stressed that the exercise reflected Plateau State’s religious and ethnic diversity.
GAFDAN had earlier issued a statement through its media team alleging that no Muslim or Hausa–Fulani individual was included in the second batch of the Operation Rainbow recruitment. The group described the development as a “one-sided security recruitment” and warned that such alleged marginalisation undermined inclusivity.
The group claimed that excluding Muslims and Fulani citizens from a security programme meant to protect all residents was unjust and dangerous. It called on the Plateau State Government to intervene, investigate the recruitment process, and ensure fairness and transparency.
“This is a one-sided security recruitment with a motive of giving or providing security to a particular section or individuals,” the group stated, urging government to address what it called “gross marginalization.”
Responding to these claims, Brig. Gen. Shipi expressed disappointment that GAFDAN released its statement without conducting a proper fact-finding mission. He said the group acted on hearsay from individuals who failed to make the final recruitment list, noting that both Muslims and Christians were affected by the competitive selection process.
“We recruited vigilantes, hunters, and community volunteers from the grassroots, irrespective of religion or tribe. There was no discrimination. Operation Rainbow belongs to all Plateau people, and its strength lies in its diversity,” Shipi said.
He explained that the recruitment was community-driven, with candidates selected based on recommendation from their local areas. According to him, the process was designed to ensure fair representation across all local government areas of the state.
The retired General also reiterated that Operation Rainbow is neutral and committed to protecting all residents. He said the state government remained focused on promoting peaceful coexistence, which Plateau State has long been known for despite its history of ethnic and religious clashes.
During the briefing, journalists, including our correspondent, were allowed access to the training camp. Observations at the training site immediately contradicted GAFDAN’s claims. Among the trainees, there was a visible mix of Muslims and Christians participating fully in the programme.
Several Muslim recruits interviewed confirmed that they were properly screened, selected, and included in the training. Many expressed surprise and disappointment over the allegations by GAFDAN, calling them misleading and damaging.
Salisu Nasiru Garba from Jos North described the claim as completely false.
“There are Muslims here. We came for peaceful coexistence. The only time religion comes up is during prayer,” he said, adding that the training environment encourages unity.
Another trainee, Musa Abdullahi, a Fulani man from Wase LGA, said his presence alone was proof that Muslims were not excluded.
“If there was discrimination, a Fulani Muslim like me wouldn’t be here. People should stop spoiling the government’s efforts,” he stated.
Abubakar Muhammad Lawal from Wase LGA, who also serves as the camp Imam, dismissed the allegation of marginalisation.
“We have more than 200 Muslims in this camp. The process didn’t hinder our prayers. Christians and Muslims were selected through the same screening, and we train and live together,” he said.
Several other recruits echoed similar sentiments. Haruna Salisu, a Fulani man from Barkin Ladi, described the GAFDAN statement as shocking.
“There are Muslims here, including Hausa-Fulani like myself. Some Muslims who passed the screening didn’t come, but to say none were recruited is a lie,” he explained.
Ismak Ishaq Adam from Jos North, a long-time volunteer with Operation Rainbow, said the narrative being promoted by the group was the result of misinformation.
“More than one-third of us are Muslims. Anyone saying otherwise is acting out of ignorance or bad intention,” he said.
For Adama Rabiu, a female Muslim recruit from Wase, the allegation by GAFDAN was both painful and unfair.
“As a woman and a Muslim, I feel bad hearing that false claim. There are Muslims everywhere in this camp,” she said, noting that she previously served in the Wase Neighbourhood Watch before joining Operation Rainbow.
Another recruit, Habu Mohammad from Shendam, recounted that about 20 Muslims were selected from his screening group.
“When we came, prayer groups were almost 50/50. There is no tribal or religious discrimination,” he stated.
From Kanam LGA, Akilu Abdullahi Mu’azu said Muslims make up a significant portion of the trainees.
“One-third of us are Muslims. From Kanam alone, 75% of those who came are Muslims. People should stop spreading lies,” he insisted.
A Fulani Muslim trainee, Abbas Mohid from Kanam, said he was surprised that such claims were released without any verification.
“We even have more Muslims from Kanam than Christians here. We eat together, learn together, and work together. This training is for peace, so let’s not twist it,” he warned.
Operation Rainbow is a state-owned security outfit established to complement the efforts of conventional security agencies in Plateau State. Its mandate includes intelligence gathering, community patrols, conflict prevention, and support for peace-building across local communities.
The outfit was created after years of ethno-religious crises that affected Plateau State, especially between 2001 and 2015. These conflicts caused deep mistrust among communities and created the need for a grassroots security structure that could respond quickly and work closely with residents.
Since its reactivation under Governor Mutfwang, Operation Rainbow has focused on community involvement, with recruitment aimed at ensuring representation from all parts of the state. This makes the recent allegations from GAFDAN significant, as claims of ethnic or religious exclusion could heighten tension in a state that continues to work toward healing old divisions.
Brig. Gen. Shipi urged the public to verify information before drawing conclusions. He assured residents that Operation Rainbow remains open and inclusive, adding that the state government will continue to promote unity.
The Plateau State Government has not yet released an official written statement, but senior officials say the recruitment process will remain transparent and that the training will continue without interruption.
Operation Rainbow officials say they remain focused on strengthening peace and security across Plateau, with the new recruits expected to join operations across all 17 local government areas once they complete their training.