By Nkechi Eze
The Joint Task Force Operation Enduring Peace (JTF OPEP) has intensified its non-kinetic strategies for peacebuilding in Plateau State with the launch of a tree planting campaign, the donation of wheelchairs to physically challenged students, and the distribution of relief materials to an orphanage home. The outreach programme, which took place on Saturday 6 September 2025 at Government College Jos, was organised by Sector 1 JTF OPEP as part of efforts to foster stronger civil-military relations and improve community well-being within the Joint Operations Area (JOA).
In an official statement, the Media Information Officer of JTF OPEP, Major Samson Nantip Zhakom, said the initiative underscored the military’s determination to deploy non-kinetic measures in complementing its tactical operations to secure lives and property.
The Special Guest of Honour, General Officer Commanding (GOC) 3 Division Nigerian Army and Commander JTF OPEP, Major General Folusho Oyinlola, praised the efforts of Sector 1 in combining security operations with humanitarian interventions. He said the exercise reflected the Operation’s commitment not only to stability in the JOA but also to the health and quality of life of the people.
According to General Oyinlola, the tree planting exercise represents one of the deliberate non-kinetic initiatives designed to win the hearts and minds of communities, while also helping to address environmental challenges. He stressed that the programme would support host communities in tackling deforestation, which has become rampant due to indiscriminate felling of trees for domestic use.
He further explained that the recent rebranding of Operation Enduring Peace comes with a renewed determination to pursue all legitimate means of restoring peace and stability through tactical deployments, effective coordination, and mapping of ungoverned spaces to deny criminals freedom of action. The Commander appealed for greater cooperation between the people and security agencies, insisting that enemies of the state must be held accountable for their actions.
Earlier in his welcome remarks, the Commander of Sector 1 JTF OPEP, Navy Captain M.A. Fana, commended the GOC/Commander for his unwavering moral and logistical support, while also thanking critical stakeholders in the Sector’s Area of Responsibility for their contributions towards the success of the initiative. He noted that the campaign was motivated by the disturbing changes in the environment, which have eroded its natural beauty. He emphasised that tree planting is not only a symbolic act of peacebuilding but also a practical intervention to restore the ecosystem.
Delivering the vote of thanks, Plateau State Commissioner for Education, Dr. Mrs. Kachollom Pyam, expressed profound appreciation on behalf of the State Government for the military’s thoughtful gesture. She assured that the trees would be nurtured by students and pledged to revive the tradition of tree planting in schools across the state.
The well-attended event was graced by top dignitaries including the Plateau State Commissioner of Police, the Provost of the Federal College of Forestry Jos, royal fathers, and religious leaders. Highlights included the planting of trees within Government College Jos, the presentation of wheelchairs to physically challenged students, and the donation of relief materials to an orphanage.
