By Nkechi Eze
The Nigerian Army has intensified non-kinetic and kinetic efforts to sustain peace in Plateau State, as Operation ENDURING PEACE convened key stakeholders across Jos North, Jos East, and Bassa Local Government Areas ahead of the farming season.
According to an official signed statement by Captain Chinonso Oteh, Media Information Officer, Joint Task Force Operation ENDURING PEACE, the General Officer Commanding 3 Division and Commander of the operation, Major General Folusho Oyinlola, called for renewed commitment to peaceful coexistence among communities in the affected areas.
The statement noted that the GOC, represented by the Chief of Staff of the operation, Brigadier General Senlong Sule, made the call during a strategic stakeholders’ engagement held in Jos, describing the meeting as critical to developing practical measures for sustaining peace as agricultural activities commence.
Major General Oyinlola commended residents of the three local government areas for their commitment to stability, highlighting a noticeable decline in violent incidents in recent months. He attributed the progress to sustained dialogue and cooperation among communities but cautioned against complacency, warning that emerging threats could undermine the gains recorded.
He identified key security concerns to include kidnapping, attacks on mining sites, illegal arms manufacturing, and the influx of cattle into farming communities, which have historically triggered clashes and reprisals.
To address these challenges, the operation announced a combination of strategic interventions. The statement disclosed that the Chief of Defence Staff has approved the distribution of fertilisers to stakeholders across communal lines to promote agricultural productivity and reduce tensions.
It further revealed that the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede, has approved the deployment of a Chief of Army Staff Intervention Battalion, an elite Special Forces unit, to Plateau State to reinforce ongoing stabilisation efforts and swiftly respond to emerging threats.
Addressing traditional rulers, religious leaders, and other community stakeholders, the GOC stressed the need to strengthen local conflict resolution mechanisms. He urged leaders to sensitise youths against actions capable of provoking violence, such as destruction of farmlands or cattle poisoning, while encouraging the development of community-based codes of conduct.
He also called on the media to uphold professionalism, warning that sensational or unverified reports could inflame tensions rather than promote peace.
Reaffirming the neutrality of security agencies, Major General Oyinlola emphasised their commitment to protecting all law-abiding citizens irrespective of ethnic or religious background. He noted that while security forces will sustain clearance operations against criminal elements, lasting peace ultimately depends on the cooperation and sincerity of local communities.
In his remarks, Chairman of Jos North Local Government Area, Barrister John Kyohroh Christopher, commended Operation ENDURING PEACE for its sustained efforts in restoring calm to the area following the Agwan Rukuba killings. He pledged continued collaboration with security agencies to consolidate peace in the locality.
Christopher also lauded the Chief of Army Staff and the Chief of Defence Staff for the distribution of fertiliser support to farmers, describing the initiative as timely and impactful.
Community leaders, including traditional rulers and representatives of Muslim and Christian groups, expressed appreciation for the intervention, assuring that they would work collectively to ensure a peaceful and productive planting season.
