The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Musa, has unveiled the rebranded Joint Task Force Operation ENDURING PEACE (JTF OPEP), replacing Operation SAFE HAVEN, to strengthen security and restore lasting peace in the North Central region.
General Musa made the announcement in Jos, Plateau State during the official flag-off ceremony, describing the new mandate as a strategic realignment designed to ensure not just temporary safety but sustainable peace for generations.
He praised Operation SAFE HAVEN for playing a vital role in stabilising communities affected by recurrent violence, but noted that ”the security landscape now demands a broader, intelligence-driven and community-centred approach.”
“Operation ENDURING PEACE reflects our stronger resolve to secure not just today, but tomorrow—anchored on inter-agency collaboration, community engagement and a whole-of-society approach,” General Musa said, urging troops to embrace the new identity with pride, discipline and renewed vigour.
In his remarks, the General Officer Commanding 3 Division Nigerian Army and Commander JTF OPEP, Major General Folusho Oyinlola promised that the rebranding would usher in a renewed era of commitment and proactive strategy.
“This realignment will make our operations more intelligence-driven, proactive and result-oriented in the quest for peace and stability,” he said, while calling on community leaders, religious bodies, civil society organisations, and youth groups to strengthen their partnership with the Task Force.
Also speaking, the Chief of Defence Operations, Major General EV Onumajuru, stressed that JTF OPEP would fill noticeable gaps in previous operations by improving early warning systems, dominating ungoverned spaces, and enhancing collaboration with local communities.
“The new Operation will address the noticeable gap in previous conduct by improving early warning mechanisms and dominating ungoverned spaces with the support of local communities,” he said.
Highlights of the event included the inspection of the quarter guard, decoration of the Commander with the new JTF OPEP badge, hoisting of the new flag, and an address to troops of 3 Division and JTF OPEP.
PIAK