The Joint Task Force, Operation ENDURING PEACE, on April 18, 2026, organized a 17-kilometre Inter-Tribal Unity Race in Mangu Local Government Area of Plateau State as part of efforts to strengthen peace and civil-military relations.
The event, held at the Mangu Mini Stadium, marked the maiden edition of the Maj. Gen. EF Oyinlola Inter-Tribal Peace and Unity Race Competition. It brought together male and female youths from different ethnic and religious backgrounds across the local government area.
Speaking at the event, the General Officer Commanding 3 Division and Commander of Operation ENDURING PEACE, Maj Gen Folunsho Oyinlola, said the marathon formed part of the task force’s non-kinetic strategies aimed at fostering unity, understanding, and peaceful coexistence among communities.
He noted that sports remain a powerful tool for bridging divides and building trust, stressing that such initiatives complement ongoing efforts to address security challenges across Plateau State and parts of Bauchi and Kaduna States.
Oyinlola also highlighted previous interventions by the task force, including stakeholder engagements and distribution of agricultural inputs to farmers in affected communities, aimed at enhancing food security and economic stability.
In his welcome address, the Commander, Sector 8 of Operation ENDURING PEACE in Mangu, Lt Col Ofem John Ofem, said the marathon was designed not only as a sporting event but also as a platform to promote peaceful coexistence, discipline, and unity among diverse groups.
He urged residents to continue supporting security agencies with credible information to help tackle insecurity and sustain peace in the area.
Expressing his appreciation, the Chairman of Mangu Local Government Area, Hon Bala Mwolpun, commended the military for restoring stability to communities that were previously affected by insecurity.
He pledged the support of his administration in sustaining ongoing peace initiatives and appealed for continued military presence in the area, particularly to safeguard farmers during the upcoming planting season.
The event also drew commendation from Ziphion Chrysanthus Terkop, Liaison Director on Security to the Plateau State Governor, who was impressed by the resilience of young participants. He announced full secondary school scholarships and cash rewards of ₦100,000 each for the two youngest participants.
Terkop noted that the gesture was a symbolic investment in the younger generation, describing them as future ambassadors of peace in the state.
Participants competed for cash prizes, with winners in both male and female categories receiving ₦200,000 each, while second and third positions were awarded ₦150,000 and ₦100,000 respectively.
As part of the activities marking the event, the GOC also distributed fertilizer to farmers to support agricultural productivity and encourage peaceful farming practices.
The event later moved to the commissioning of a new office block for the Chief of Army Staff Intervention Battalion XII in Mangu, with facilities that includes an Operations Center and a Medical Outpost, significantly upgrading the logistical and response capabilities of the troops stationed in the sector, reinforcing the task force’s operational capacity in the area.
