Operation SAFE HAVEN (OPSH) has reiterated its commitment to fostering peaceful coexistence and strengthening civil-military relations through non-kinetic means, with a particular focus on sports as a tool for unity. This was evident on Saturday, May 31, 2025, during the grand finale of the Commander Operation SAFE HAVEN Peace and Unity Football Competition, held in Sanga Local Government Area of Kaduna State.

The football tournament, which kicked off on April 26, featured 12 teams from the four chiefdoms within Sanga LGA and culminated in a gripping final match between Wasa Ward and Arak Ward. Wasa Ward clinched a narrow 1-0 victory to emerge champions of the competition.

Speaking at the closing ceremony, the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 3 Division and Commander of Operation SAFE HAVEN, Major General E.F. Oyinlola, underscored the significance of the event as part of OPSH’s broader peacebuilding mission across Plateau, Bauchi, and Kaduna States.

“This competition reflects our unwavering commitment to strengthening civil-military relations through constructive engagement,” Maj. Gen. Oyinlola said. “Sport is a powerful tool for promoting peace, understanding, and collaboration. It transcends societal divisions and fosters unity.”

He urged participants and residents to adopt the values of sportsmanship — teamwork, respect, and discipline — in their daily lives to help maintain peace and stability in their communities.

“Peace is priceless,” he added. “And it is within our collective power to achieve it.”

The GOC also commissioned a newly established military outpost in Angwan Nungu, a strategic border community between Kaduna, Plateau, and Nasarawa States. The outpost is expected to help address cross-border security challenges and enhance rapid response efforts in the area.

Major Mohammed Galadima, Sector Commander of FOB Sanga, emphasized the outpost’s strategic importance and praised the football tournament for bringing together youth from diverse ethnic and religious backgrounds.

“Sport builds bridges,” he said. “It unites people, fosters healing, and promotes understanding across communities.”

Also speaking at the event, Executive Chairman of Sanga LGA, Hon. Usman Yakubu Anto, described the competition as a powerful initiative that engaged the youth constructively and strengthened communal ties.

He commended the improved security situation in the area, attributing it to collaborative efforts between the local authorities and security agencies, and reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to maintaining synergy with all security stakeholders.

“We have experienced a significant drop in crime,” Hon. Anto noted. “The presence of OPSH and the proactive engagement with the community have made a real difference.”

During the award ceremony, Wasa Ward, the tournament winners, received a cash prize of ₦200,000, while the second and third-place teams also received medals and cash rewards.

The event drew the participation of traditional rulers, religious leaders, youth groups, and representatives of various security agencies, all of whom praised Operation SAFE HAVEN for using community-centered initiatives to sustain peace in the region.

This marks another milestone in OPSH’s ongoing non-kinetic campaign to strengthen civil-military relations and build resilient, united communities across its Joint Operations Area.