At a one-day stakeholders meeting hosted by the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 3 Division and Commander Operation ENDURING PEACE, Major General Folusho Oyinlola, on Wednesday, 26 November 2025, Stakeholders have commended the security gains, and come together to explore more ways of strengthening security ahead of the harvest period and upcoming Yuletide season across Plateau State and neighboring communities.
Held at Maxwell Khobe Cantonment, Jos, the engagement brought together stakeholders from frontline local government areas in Plateau, Kaduna, and Bauchi States. Participants included representatives from Barkin Ladi, Bassa, Bokkos, Jos North, Mangu, Riyom, Wase, Sanga, and Kafanchan LGAs, alongside key government officials, traditional rulers, religious leaders, security agencies, and community-based organizations.
In his opening address, the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 3 Division and Commander Operation ENDURING PEACE, Major General Folusho Oyinlola, described the meeting as a timely step toward enhancing collaborative security measures. He noted that previous engagements had contributed to a significant reduction in farm destruction, cattle rustling, and other criminal activities that often threaten peace in the region.
Major General Oyinlola emphasized that OPEP’s non-kinetic strategies — including community dialogues, youth engagements, and peace mediation — have strengthened community policing and improved local security structures. He highlighted the seminar’s theme, “Strengthening Community Partnership for a Secure Harvest and Yuletide Season,” as a reflection of the Operation’s commitment to building resilient and inclusive peace frameworks.
The GOC revealed that troops have recorded notable successes in recent months, including the neutralization of several armed criminal elements across the Joint Operations Area. He assured residents that security forces will continue to dominate ungoverned spaces to prevent criminal regrouping, warning that any attempts to disrupt the festive season would be met with decisive responses.
Calling for continued cooperation, he urged community leaders, youth and women groups, and traditional institutions to escalate resolutions from the engagement to grassroots levels. He commended communities for strengthening internal security structures such as vigilante groups, neighborhood watches, and early warning systems.
Representing Governor Caleb Mutfwang, the Special Adviser on Security and Coordinator of Operation RAINBOW, Brigadier General GG Shippi (rtd), praised the military and other security agencies for their continuous efforts in enhancing safety across the state. He reiterated the State Government’s commitment to supporting security operations until lasting peace is achieved.
Representatives from the various LGAs commended the improved security situation while stressing the importance of sustained dialogue, reconciliation, and community collaboration. Many highlighted lingering issues requiring attention and recommended strengthening platforms for engaging disputing groups, forming more community-based committees, and expanding ongoing peace efforts.
Stakeholders described peace as fundamental to development, urging authorities and citizens alike to maintain open lines of communication and prioritize conflict prevention.
The meeting follows a similar engagement held earlier in the year ahead of the farming season, which contributed to a relatively peaceful period with minimal disruptions. To consolidate these gains, the GOC approved the expanded engagement aimed at ensuring a secure harvest and a harmonious Yuletide celebration.
Wednesday’s event featured extensive discussions, solution-driven interactions, and collective commitments to fostering stability across the Joint Operations Area.
The 3 Division and Operation ENDURING PEACE reaffirmed their dedication to strengthening community partnerships as Plateau State and its neighboring regions prepare for the festive season.
