The Nigerian Army under the Joint Task Force, Operation Enduring Peace (OPEP), on Saturday hosted the Peace and Unity 15km Marathon Race and Humanitarian Outreach in Sanga Local Government Area of Kaduna State, reaffirming its commitment to peacebuilding, civil–military relations and inclusive community development.
The event, held at Government Secondary School (GSS), Gwantu, attracted participants from across the local government, including security agencies, traditional rulers, religious leaders, youths, women groups and other stakeholders. It also featured the distribution of palliatives to widows and persons living with disabilities (PWDs) drawn from the four chiefdoms in Sanga LGA.
In his welcome address, the Sub-Sector 5 Commander, Major Mohammad Galadima, described the marathon—named in honour of the Commander Joint Task Force, Major General E. F. Oyinlola—as a non-kinetic approach aimed at promoting peaceful coexistence, discipline, teamwork and unity among diverse communities.
He noted that the initiative demonstrates how sports and humanitarian outreach can deepen trust between the military and host communities while providing support to vulnerable groups.
Delivering the keynote address, Major General Oyinlola said sports remain a powerful tool for fostering unity and mutual understanding across ethnic, religious and social divides. He explained that the humanitarian outreach, which saw 50 widows and 50 persons living with disabilities receive palliatives, reflects the Armed Forces’ commitment to dignity, inclusion and social cohesion.
“You are all winners. What matters most is the spirit of unity displayed and the shared commitment to work together in support of our security agencies,” Oyinlola told participants.
The Peace and Unity Marathon recorded strong participation, with male and female categories competing in a spirit of sportsmanship. Prizes were awarded up to the fourth position to encourage broader participation.
In the male category, Andraus Musa emerged winner, expressing gratitude to the organizers and pledging to invest the prize in his business and personal development. In the female category, Ruth Ajizemusa clinched first position, describing the race as motivating and saying she would use her prize to support her education.
Security agencies operating within Sanga LGA were also honoured with awards in recognition of their contributions to peace and security in the area, while participants received souvenir gifts as mementos of the event.
Speaking on behalf of beneficiaries, Rahab Jerusalem, whose mother-in-law received support for the third consecutive year, thanked the military, noting that the assistance would help her family celebrate Christmas with dignity. Julius Makari, representing persons with disabilities, acknowledged the growing impact of the outreach and expressed hope that more beneficiaries would be reached in the future.
Community leaders commended the initiative, with Pastor David Nature of Hannah House of Prayer describing the military’s engagement as unprecedentedly close to the people. A traditional ruler, HRH Habila Adamu, also testified to improved security in his area following military intervention.
In his closing remarks, the Chairman of Sanga Local Government Area credited Major Galadima’s community-focused approach with fostering relative peace in the area.
Major General Oyinlola urged residents to continue supporting security agencies with timely information, warning that Operation Enduring Peace would act decisively against criminal elements and those shielding them.
The programme concluded with prayers and a communal meal, underscoring the message that sustainable peace is built through collaboration, compassion and shared responsibility between security agencies and the communities they serve.