By Saminu Ibrahim
(SINL NIGERIA) The General Officer Commanding (GOC) 3 Division and Commander of Operation Enduring Peace, Major General Folusho Oyinlola, has called for renewed commitment to peaceful coexistence among residents of Jos North, Jos East, and Bassa Local Government Areas of Plateau State.
A statement on Sunday by Media Information Officer, Joint Task Force Operation ENDURING PEACE, Captain Chinonso Oteh stated that
the GOC made the call during a stakeholders’ engagement held in Jos.
Represented by the Chief of Staff of the Operation, Brigadier General Senlong Sule described the meeting as a strategic effort to develop practical measures for sustaining peace as the farming season begins.
Major General Oyinlola commended communities across the three LGAs for their growing commitment to stability, noting a marked reduction in violent incidents in recent months.
He attributed the relative calm to sustained dialogue and improved cooperation among residents, while cautioning that the gains must be protected against emerging threats.
He identified key security concerns in the area, including kidnapping, attacks on miners, illegal arms production, and the influx of cattle into farming communities, an issue that has historically triggered destruction of farmlands and reprisals.
To address these challenges, the commander disclosed a mix of kinetic and non-kinetic measures being implemented under Operation Enduring Peace.
Meanwhile, he revealed that the Chief of Defence Staff has approved the distribution of fertilizers to farmers across communal lines to boost agricultural productivity and ease tensions.
In addition, he said the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, has approved the deployment of a Chief of Army Staff Intervention Battalion, an elite Special Forces unit to Plateau State.
According to him, the deployment is aimed at swiftly responding to emerging threats and strengthening ongoing stabilization efforts, which have already helped reduce fear and isolated attacks in the region.
The GOC also urged traditional, religious, and community leaders to reinforce grassroots conflict resolution mechanisms. He called on them to sensitize youths against provocative acts such as farm destruction and cattle poisoning, and to promote adherence to a community-driven code of conduct.
He further appealed to the media to uphold professionalism, warning that sensational or unverified reporting could inflame tensions rather than promote peace.
Reaffirming the neutrality of security agencies, Major General Oyinlola stressed their commitment to protecting all law-abiding citizens, regardless of ethnic or religious background.
He added 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, the Chairman of Jos North Local Government Area, Barrister John Kyohroh Christopher, commended Operation Enduring Peace for its efforts in restoring calm following the Agwan Rukuba killings.
He pledged continued collaboration between the local council and security agencies to consolidate peace in the area.
Christopher also appreciated the leadership of the military high command for the fertilizer distribution initiative, describing it as a timely intervention to support farmers.
Traditional rulers and leaders of both Muslim and Christian communities also welcomed the initiative, pledging to work together to ensure a peaceful and productive planting season.
The statement said the engagement is part of ongoing efforts by Operation Enduring Peace to promote stability and foster cooperation among communities in Plateau State.
