The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Gwabin Musa, has explained why the Nigerian military deactivated Operation Safe Haven and inaugurated its successor, Operation Enduring Peace, in Plateau and neighbouring states.

Speaking at the rebranding ceremony in Jos on Friday, August 29, 2025, General Musa said the transition was necessary after careful assessments showed that Safe Haven, though impactful, was constrained by operational and structural challenges.

“Over the years, Operation Safe Haven has played a vital role in mitigating communal conflicts, curbing armed banditry, and enhancing civil-military relations,” he noted. “However, limited availability of critical enablers hampered its ability to decisively deter and respond to threats, making it appear more reactive than proactive.”

According to the CDS, the rebranding to Operation Enduring Peace reflects a renewed mandate and stronger resolve to achieve not just temporary security but lasting stability across Plateau, Kaduna, Nasarawa, and Benue States.

“This change is not cosmetic,” Musa stressed. “It underscores our determination to deliver sustainable solutions that integrate military, political, judicial, and community efforts. Enduring Peace will emphasize inter-agency collaboration, intelligence-driven operations, and stronger community engagement.”

He disclosed that the new operation would benefit from additional troop deployment, enhanced logistics, and critical operational assets, backed by welfare initiatives to support personnel in the field. The operation will also deepen coordination with neighbouring missions such as Operation Whirl Stroke for a more comprehensive regional security approach.

General Musa further appealed to political leaders, traditional rulers, religious figures, and community stakeholders to support the Armed Forces in building trust and fostering reconciliation.

“Our commitment is not just to suppress violence temporarily, but to build a secure environment where peace can take root and endure,” he said.

The CDS thanked President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his support of the Armed Forces, as well as the Minister of Defence, Mohammed Badaru Abubakar, Minister of State for Defence, Dr. Bello Mohammed Matawalle, and the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, for their backing.

He concluded by urging troops to embrace the new identity with “pride, discipline, and renewed vigour,” while calling on communities to partner with the military in transforming conflict-prone areas into “beacons of peace and prosperity.”

With the official deactivation of Operation Safe Haven, Operation Enduring Peace is now fully operational in the North-Central region.