The General Officer Commanding (GOC) 3 Division and Commander Operation ENDURING PEACE (OPEP), Major General Folusho Oyinlola, has stepped up peacebuilding efforts in Plateau State with strategic engagements across Christian and Muslim worship centres in Barkin Ladi Local Government Area.

The visits, conducted on November 9 and 14, 2025, are part of ongoing non-kinetic strategies designed to mitigate farmer-herder tensions and prevent violence as the state enters the harvest and yuletide seasons — periods historically marked by heightened conflict.

Addressing a Christian congregation in Barkin Ladi on November 9, Major General Oyinlola reaffirmed the professionalism and neutrality of the Armed Forces of Nigeria, stressing that all security agencies remain committed to protecting every citizen without bias.

“The Nigerian Army, Navy, Air Force, and Police are your institutions, established for the collective good,” he said. “We are here for you, and we are part of you.”

He urged residents to strengthen cooperation with security personnel and to promptly report suspicious activities, assuring them of the military’s readiness to respond swiftly to threats.

Condemning the cyclical violence in Plateau, the GOC vowed that Operation ENDURING PEACE would intensify efforts to dismantle criminal networks fueling the killings. “Lives are too precious. We will work tirelessly to stop the killings on all sides,” he added.

On November 14, the GOC continued his engagement, addressing Muslim faithful during Jumu’ah prayers in Mahanga. He emphasized dialogue, patience, and trust as essential tools for restoring stability, noting that the state has endured more than two decades of recurring conflict that has deeply affected communities and security forces alike.

He highlighted farmer-herder disputes as a major driver of violence, warning that “crisis merchants” often manipulate local grievances for personal gain. He appealed to residents to avoid taking the law into their own hands and instead rely on security agencies trained to handle disputes.

“With the harvest season approaching, we must remain vigilant,” he cautioned. “From today, I do not want to hear of killings on any side. If anything happens, reach out to us immediately and we will act.”

Major General Oyinlola encouraged communities to reject individuals who profit from instability and urged Muslims to uphold the peaceful teachings of Islam.

Looking ahead, the GOC announced plans for a statewide stakeholders’ meeting involving traditional rulers, religious leaders, youth groups, and community representatives to strengthen early-warning systems and deepen peacebuilding efforts.

Reaffirming the commitment of the 3 Division and OPEP troops, he stressed that violence cannot resolve conflict. “Dialogue, cooperation, and peaceful coexistence remain the best path forward for Plateau State,” he said.

— ALIYU DANJA
Lieutenant Colonel
Acting Deputy Director, Army Public Relations
3 Division Nigerian Army
14 November 2025