By Our Reporter
As part of his administration’s determination to strengthen the state security outfit, Nieghbourhood Watch Operatives saddled with the responsibility of maintaining peace in the hinterlands, code-named “Operation Rainbow,” Governor Caleb Mutfwang has inaugurated 600 Neighbourhood Watch Operatives in the state.
At an event to mark the end of the training, Gov. Mutfwang said the revitalization of the state security outfit was part of his administration’s effort to ensure adequate security of lives and property of the citizens.
The governor who was represented by his deputy Ngo Josephine Piyo, said, “It is my pleasure to be here for the passing out parade of the Neighborhood Watch Operatives of the Operation Rainbow. Today, we are witnessing the passing out of a crop of 600 gallant operatives who were carefully selected out of the numerous citizens of Plateau state.”
Gov. Mutfwang who commended the Coordinator of the Operation Rainbow, the Special Adviser on Security, Chief Security Officer and other security agencies who within the short period, had transformed, tutored and nurtured the operatives during their training said the reports he had received and the parade were enough evidence that “these soon to be gallant security officials have been put through the mills and have come out refined and ready to contribute their quota to the state’s effort to securing lives and property in our dear state.”
The governor who described the revitalization of the outfit as timely added that it was coming when the state was at a critical period and needed consolidation on the gains of tackling security challenges that has ravaged the state for years.
While urging the operatives to put in their best in securing local communities by reporting early warning signs for swift security intervention, the governor emphasized that it was the desire of his administration to create a conducive working atmosphere for every citizen to carry out their lawful business.
He, however, cautioned the operatives that his administration would not allow indiscipline and unprofessional conduct, hence they must treat matters of security and safeguarding the lives and properties of citizens with utmost importance.
Gov. Mutfwang commended the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) for training and accommodating the operatives and all other instructors from different security agencies for their input in training the young men and women.
The governor expressed his sincere appreciation to the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his support to state owned security outfits in the country which he acknowledged has helped to beef up the strength of security and enhance capacity to confront diverse security challenges faced by states.
Earlier in his remarks, Coordinator, Operation Rainbow, retired Assistant Inspector General of Police, Bashir Dabup Makama said that the establishment of the outfit followed the passage of the “PLATEAU STATE RAINBOW AND NEIGHBORHOOD WATCH LAW 2012” by the Plateau State House of Assembly and assented to on 20th March, 2013 was set up to perform community policing duties by operatives in their various localities.
AIG Makama stated that the modus operandi of the outfit was also to provide accurate and timely information on security situations in all wards, which are gathered and shared with appropriate security agencies including the Nigerian Police for necessary proactive measures to be taken.
He appreciated the Caleb Mutfwang administration for revitalizing the moribund security outfit, promising to strengthen the security network in the state for sustainable peace, security and economic development.
Makama added that the operatives would ensure an enduring peace and security of lives and property in the state through the process of proper articulation and development of all embracing measures to adequately address, contain and nip in the bud, within the norms of democracy and rule of law, on issues that could potentially lead to crisis.
He also disclosed that other batches of operatives would soon be recruited and trained to augment the number on ground adding that concerted efforts were being made to activate the Neighborhood Watch in all the 17 LGAs.