From Yakubu Wuyep, Jos
Governor Caleb Mutfwang of Plateau State has appointed Brigadier General Nash Yakubu (rtd) as the new Coordinator of Operation Rainbow, Plateau State’s homegrown security outfit towards addressing the incessant losses of lives and properties by unknown gunmen.
Mutfwang, who said he carried out a restructuring of the state’s security architecture, with the appointment of a new coordinator for Operation Rainbow, the redeployment of the coordinator of the Safe School Programme, also appointed a new Special Adviser on Security in a renewed push to strengthen peace and security across the state.
Their appointments, which take immediate effect, were announced in a press statement issued by the Secretary to the Government of the State (SGS), Arc Samuel Jatau, who said the decisions form part of the administration’s commitment to reinforce the state’s security framework, and enhance the protection of lives, properties, and educational institutions.
According to the statement, Yakubu’s appointment follows an illustrious 35-year military career, during which he served in several strategic operational and peacekeeping assignments within and outside Nigeria.
The statement noted that Yakubu played significant roles in security operations relating to the MASSOB and IPOB crises, counter-insurgency efforts in Nigeria’s North East, as well as international peacekeeping missions in Sierra Leone and Sudan.
”His wealth of operational experience is expected to further strengthen intelligence gathering and coordinated security operations across Plateau State.
”In the same exercise, Governor Mutfwang approved the redeployment of Brigadier General Gakji Shipi Goshwe (rtd) as the Coordinator of the Safe School Programme.
”Before the redeployment, General Goshwe served as the Acting Coordinator of Operation Rainbow, while simultaneously holding the office of Special Adviser to the Governor on Security.
”General Goshwe distinguished himself throughout his military career, earning several merit awards and contributing significantly to security operations, qualities the government believes will further enhance the implementation of the Safe School Programme across the state.
”To further consolidate the administration’s security strategy, the Governor also appointed Major General Bala A. Isandu (Rtd) as the new Special Adviser on Security.
”Prior to his appointment, Major General Isandu served as Senior Special Assistant on Intelligence to the Honourable Minister of Defence and also held the position of Director at the Defence Intelligence Agency.
“His extensive experience in intelligence gathering, strategic planning and military operations, both locally and internationally, is expected to provide valuable support to the state’s evolving security agenda,” it read.
Jatau explained that the appointments reflect Mutfwang’s determination to continually reposition Plateau’s security institutions to effectively respond to emerging threats while sustaining the gains already recorded in the restoration of peace across the state.
He added that beyond strengthening security coordination, the appointments are also intended to ensure safer learning environments through improved protection of schools and other critical public infrastructure.
The SGS further disclosed that Mutfwang has expressed confidence in the competence, professionalism and vast experience of the three retired senior military officers, describing them as accomplished professionals with proven records of dedicated service to the nation.
”The Governor congratulated the appointees and charged them to bring their expertise, discipline and leadership to bear in the discharge of their new responsibilities, urging them to work collaboratively with all security agencies and stakeholders in advancing his administration’s vision of building a peaceful, secure and prosperous Plateau State,” it added.