The Defence Headquarters has announced the rebranding of Operation Safe Haven to Operation Enduring Peace, signaling a strategic shift aimed at achieving sustainable peace and security in Plateau State and neighboring regions.
The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Gwabin Musa, unveiled the new direction during a visit to Jos, where he addressed troops and outlined the renewed focus of the operation. According to him, the transition reflects the Armed Forces’ resolve to move beyond temporary interventions and work towards lasting stability.
Brigadier General Tukur Gusau, Director of Defence Information, who signed a statement on the development, said the restructured operation will emphasize inter-agency collaboration, intelligence-driven strategies, and deeper community engagement.
He noted that measures will include deploying additional personnel, strengthening logistics and operational assets, and prioritizing troop welfare to boost effectiveness.
General Musa, in his remarks, commended the sacrifices of personnel and assured them of continued support from the Presidency.
He urged troops to redouble efforts in tackling security threats, stressing that the ultimate objective was to “win peace, not just war.” He added: “It is time to restore enduring peace. The cycle of destruction and displacement must stop. Between now and December, we must decisively combat the menace threatening our communities.”
The General Officer Commanding 3 Division of the Nigerian Army and Commander of the erstwhile Operation Safe Haven, Major General E.F. Oyinlola, also emphasized that while the former operation was instrumental in stabilizing Plateau, the new phase would adopt a more proactive approach.
He said troops would now anticipate and neutralize threats before they escalate.
Both the CDS and the GOC called on stakeholders including political leaders, traditional rulers, religious authorities, civil society, youth leaders, and citizens to partner with the Armed Forces in rejecting violence, fostering reconciliation, and building trust.
The Armed Forces reaffirmed their commitment to protecting the lives and property of Nigerians while adapting to evolving threats with innovative strategies.