CDS rebrands Operation Safe Haven as ‘Enduring Peace’

BY: ADAMU ALIYU NGULDE

The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Musa, has formally rebranded Operation SAFE HAVEN in the North Central region as Joint Task Force Operation ENDURING PEACE (JTF OPEP).

The change was announced on Friday during the official flag-off ceremony in Jos, Plateau State.

General Musa said the transition to Operation ENDURING PEACE was aimed at strengthening the mandate of the military in the region.

He explained that while Operation SAFE HAVEN had contributed significantly to stabilising communities affected by years of violent conflict, the new structure would focus on achieving more sustainable security.

“Security challenges require more than immediate interventions but sustainable solutions that integrate military, political, judicial and community efforts,” Musa stated.

He added that the new operation would prioritise inter-agency collaboration, intelligence-driven operations, and greater engagement with communities across the Joint Operations Area.
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Addressing the troops, the CDS urged them to carry out their responsibilities with “pride, discipline and renewed vigour,” stressing that the objective of the task force was to achieve peace that would endure over time.

In his remarks, Major General Folusho Oyinlola, General Officer Commanding 3 Division Nigerian Army and Commander of JTF OPEP, said the rebranding was a strategic move to make operations more proactive and intelligence-led.

He called on stakeholders, including community leaders, religious organisations, civil society groups, and youth organisations, to partner more closely with the task force.

Major General E.V. Onumajuru, Chief of Defence Operations, said Operation ENDURING PEACE would strengthen early warning systems and extend military presence into ungoverned spaces with the support of communities.

The ceremony featured the inspection of a quarter guard, the decoration of the new commander with the JTF OPEP insignia, the unveiling of the operation’s flag, and an address to the troops.