The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Gwabin Musa, has shed light on the reasons behind the military’s decision to rebrand Operation Safe Haven with a new security outfit, Operation Enduring Peace, in Plateau State and parts of the North-Central region.
Speaking at the official unveiling in Jos on Friday, August 29, 2025, General Musa declared it as a strategic transition towards restoring sustainable peace, stability, and security in Plateau and adjoining states of Kaduna, Nasarawa, and Benue. He explained that the decision to retire Operation Safe Haven was informed by recent assessments which revealed operational and structural shortfalls that limited its effectiveness despite the dedication of troops.
“Over the years, Operation Safe Haven has played a vital role in mitigating communal conflicts, curbing armed banditry, and enhancing civil-military relations,” Musa noted. “However, the limited availability of critical enablers hampered its ability to decisively deter and respond to threats, making it appear more reactive than proactive.”
The CDS emphasized that the change was not cosmetic but represented a renewed mandate and stronger resolve to pursue lasting solutions. He stressed that Operation Enduring Peace would adopt a Whole-of-Society Approach, placing greater focus on inter-agency collaboration, intelligence-driven operations, community engagement, and synergy with neighboring operations such as Operation Whirl Stroke.
“In practical terms, we are deploying additional personnel, enhancing logistics, and providing critical operational assets to improve effectiveness,” Musa said. “This will be complemented with welfare initiatives to support our troops in the field and enable them to perform with focus and resilience.”
General Musa also called on political leaders, traditional rulers, religious figures, and community stakeholders to work with the military in rejecting inflammatory rhetoric, fostering reconciliation, and building trust.
“Our commitment is not just to suppress violence temporarily, but to build a secure environment where peace can take root and endure,” he stated.
He expressed appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his support of the Armed Forces, as well as the Minister of Defence, Mohammed Badaru Abubakar, the Minister of State for Defence, Dr. Bello Mohammed Matawalle, and the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu.
General Musa concluded by charging troops to embrace the new identity of Operation Enduring Peace with “pride, discipline, and renewed vigour,” while urging communities to partner with the military to transform conflict-prone areas into “beacons of peace and prosperity.”
With the formal deactivation of Operation Safe Haven, Operation Enduring Peace is now fully operational in the North-Central region.