From Molly Kilete, Abuja
The Defence Headquarters has officially rebranded Operation Safe Haven to Operation Enduring Peace, signalling a strategic shift towards sustainable security and stability in Plateau State and neighbouring regions.
This transition reflects a renewed commitment to addressing operational gaps and ensuring that peace in the region is not temporary but enduring.
Director of Defence Information, Brigadier General Tukur Gusau, in a statement, said the new operation will emphasise inter-agency collaboration, intelligence-driven strategies, and community engagement to tackle security challenges comprehensively. Measures under Operation Enduring Peace include deploying additional personnel, strengthening logistics and operational assets, and prioritising the welfare of troops on the ground to enhance effectiveness.
In his address to troops in Jos, the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Gwabin Musa, commended the gallant personnel for their sacrifices and reaffirmed that the Armed Forces are receiving the necessary support from the Presidency to execute this mission successfully. He called on troops to redouble their efforts towards outstanding tasks, noting that the ultimate goal is to win peace, not just war. “It is time to restore enduring peace. The cycle of destruction and displacement must stop. Between now and December, we must decisively combat the menace threatening our communities,” he stated, assuring that the troops’ dedication and hard work will be duly recognised and rewarded.
The inauguration of Operation Enduring Peace marks the beginning of a new era of proactive security management, aimed at transforming conflict-prone areas into peaceful and prosperous communities. However, the Armed Forces stressed that this vision requires collaboration from all stakeholders, including political leaders, traditional institutions, religious authorities, and local communities. Their role in rejecting violence, promoting reconciliation, and building trust is crucial for lasting peace.
The Nigerian Armed Forces remain resolute in their mission to safeguard the lives and property of all Nigerians, adapting and innovating in the face of evolving threats to peace and stability.
Also speaking, the General Officer Commanding 3 Division, Nigerian Army and Commander of Operation Safe Haven, Major General Folusho Oyinlola, said Operation Safe Haven, since its inception, has served as a formidable instrument for addressing the myriad security challenges that once threatened to overwhelm Plateau State. He added that the change represents a new phase where they will not just react to threats but anticipate and neutralise them before they manifest.
He called on all stakeholders, including community, religious, civil society, and youth leaders, and every law-abiding citizen, to partner with the Armed Forces to address the dire situation.
