Stakeholders Laud Security Gains as GOC 3 Division Hosts Meeting Ahead of Harvest and Yuletide Season

Stakeholders across Plateau State and adjoining communities have commended recent security improvements and explored fresh strategies to sustain stability during the upcoming harvest period and Yuletide celebrations.

This came during a one-day stakeholders’ meeting convened on Wednesday, 26 November 2025, by the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 3 Division and Commander Operation ENDURING PEACE (OPEP), Major General Folusho Oyinlola, at Maxwell Khobe Cantonment, Jos.

The engagement drew participants from frontline LGAs in Plateau, Kaduna, and Bauchi States, including Barkin Ladi, Bassa, Bokkos, Jos North, Mangu, Riyom, Wase, Sanga, and Kafanchan. Government officials, traditional rulers, religious leaders, security agencies, and community-based organisations were also in attendance.

In his opening remarks, Major General Oyinlola described the meeting as a timely effort to reinforce collaborative approaches to security. He noted that previous engagements contributed to a marked reduction in farm destruction, cattle rustling, and other criminal activities threatening peace across the region.

The GOC highlighted the impact of OPEP’s non-kinetic interventions — community dialogues, youth engagement, and peace mediation — which he said have strengthened community policing and enhanced local security networks. He explained that the theme of the meeting, “Strengthening Community Partnership for a Secure Harvest and Yuletide Season,” reflects OPEP’s commitment to developing resilient and inclusive peace structures.

Major General Oyinlola reported that troops had achieved significant successes in recent months, including the neutralisation of armed criminal elements in various parts of the Joint Operations Area. He assured residents that security forces would continue to dominate ungoverned spaces and swiftly counter any attempts to disrupt the festive period.

He urged traditional institutions, youth and women groups, and community leaders to intensify grassroots sensitisation, commending communities for reinforcing local security measures such as neighborhood watches, vigilante groups, and early-warning systems.

Representing Governor Caleb Mutfwang, the Special Adviser on Security and Coordinator of Operation RAINBOW, Brigadier General GG Shippi (rtd), commended the military and sister security agencies for their unwavering commitment to safeguarding lives and property. He reaffirmed the State Government’s resolve to support security operations until lasting peace is restored.

LGA representatives praised the improved security atmosphere while calling for sustained dialogue, reconciliation, and strengthened channels for engaging disputing groups. They also recommended the formation of additional community-based peace committees and the expansion of ongoing intervention efforts.

Stakeholders reiterated that peace remains essential for development and urged both authorities and residents to maintain open communication and prioritise conflict prevention.

Wednesday’s meeting follows a similar pre-farming-season engagement held earlier in the year, which contributed to a relatively peaceful planting period with minimal disruptions. To consolidate these gains, the GOC approved the expanded forum to ensure a secure harvest and harmonious festive season.

The session featured robust discussions, solution-driven exchanges, and renewed commitments to enhancing stability across the Joint Operations Area.

The 3 Division and Operation ENDURING PEACE reaffirmed their resolve to deepen community partnerships as Plateau State and neighbouring regions prepare for the Yuletide season.