The Headquarters, 3 Division Nigerian Army and Joint Task Force Operation ENDURING PEACE (JTF OPEP), have convened a one-day expanded stakeholders’ engagement aimed at reinforcing collaboration to sustain peace and ensure a successful farming season across Plateau State, as well as neighbouring communities in Kaduna and Bauchi states.
The engagement, held at Headquarters 3 Division, Maxwell Khobe Cantonment, Jos, brought together representatives from the 17 Local Government Areas of Plateau State, traditional rulers, community leaders, farmers, herders, retired senior military officers, local government officials and other key stakeholders.
Discussions focused on practical strategies for strengthening security, promoting peaceful coexistence and preserving stability throughout the Joint Operations Area.
Declaring the event open, the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 3 Division Nigerian Army and Commander Operation ENDURING PEACE, Major General Folusho Oyinlola, described the gathering as an important avenue for dialogue, confidence-building and the peaceful resolution of conflicts.
He observed that closer cooperation among farmers, herders, traditional institutions, community leaders and security agencies has significantly reduced tensions while improving farming and grazing activities across the area.
According to the GOC, “The peaceful settlement of several emerging disputes underscores the importance of sustained engagement, mutual trust and shared responsibility in maintaining lasting peace. The progress achieved so far reflects the collective determination of stakeholders to prioritise peace and stability.”
Major General Oyinlola further highlighted the impact of the operation’s non-kinetic initiatives, stating that community-led policing, quick impact projects and sporting programmes have contributed to enhanced security, strengthened public confidence and fostered peaceful relationships among young people.
While acknowledging the improved security situation, he cautioned that isolated criminal activities still pose a threat to the gains already recorded.
“I therefore urge all stakeholders to remain vigilant, sustain their cooperation with security agencies and ensure that resolutions reached during the engagement are effectively implemented at the grassroots level,” he added.
Speaking on behalf of local stakeholders, Mr Dauda Adam Mamman commended the GOC for his consistent engagement with communities, describing the approach as instrumental to the relative peace currently being enjoyed in Plateau State.
He appealed to farmers and herders to continue exercising tolerance and encouraged communities to resolve grievances through peaceful channels instead of confronting security personnel.
Also speaking, the representative of Plateau State Local Government Chairmen and Chairman of Riyom Local Government Area, Sati Bature Shuwa, applauded Major General Oyinlola’s dedication to restoring peace across the state.
He expressed optimism that the progress achieved under his leadership would be sustained and reaffirmed the commitment of local government chairmen and other stakeholders to support the incoming GOC.
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Representing retired senior military officers, Brigadier General JN Temlong (Retired) expressed appreciation to the outgoing GOC and all stakeholders for their unwavering commitment to peace.
He advocated for stronger community-based early warning systems, acknowledged the chief of army staff’s support for Operation ENDURING PEACE and pledged continued cooperation with the incoming GOC.
In his remarks, the incoming General Officer Commanding 3 Division Nigerian Army and Commander Operation ENDURING PEACE, Major General Maxwell Dangana, thanked stakeholders for their goodwill and acknowledged the security gains recorded so far.
He noted that preserving the prevailing peace requires the collective efforts of all concerned.
Major General Dangana assured stakeholders of his commitment to fair and impartial leadership, reiterating that security remains a shared responsibility.
He called on communities to identify and report criminal elements; provide timely and credible intelligence; pursue lawful means of resolving disputes; and refrain from acts of reprisal, while reaffirming the Nigerian Army’s resolve to continue protecting lives and property.
The engagement ended with an interactive session during which participants proposed practical recommendations aimed at consolidating the peace achieved across the Joint Operations Area in preparation for the peak of the 2026 farming season.
