News
We’ll Dominate Ungoverned Spaces to Keep the Festive Season Safe” — GOC Assures Communities
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.
No functional toilet, no more excuses!
The Plateau Environmental Protection and Sanitation Agency (PEPSA) has commenced the final stage of its abatement notice process for households across Jos South Local Government Area that are yet to provide functional toilet facilities.
Under the SURWASH Programme, PEPSA says it has spent considerable time engaging communities and households, educating residents on the importance of proper sanitation, advocating for household-led toilet provision and working with community leaders and household representatives to improve compliance.
But the sanitation campaign has not been limited to education and enforcement.
PEPSA says it has also provided direct support to vulnerable households that faced difficulties in providing toilet facilities. In identified cases, the Agency constructed new toilets and upgraded existing facilities to help households meet basic sanitation requirements.
Despite these efforts, however, some households are still without functional toilet facilities.
🔴 NOW, PEPSA SAYS THE NEXT PHASE IS ENFORCEMENT.
The Agency has commenced the service of final abatement notices to affected households.
📌 WHAT DOES THIS MEAN?
Households served with the notice have SEVEN DAYS from the date of service to provide a functional toilet facility and comply with the applicable sanitation requirements.
⏳ After the seven-day period expires, prosecution will commence against households that remain non-compliant, in accordance with the law.
PEPSA is therefore urging every affected household to take advantage of this final seven-day compliance window and act immediately.
The Agency says it has engaged, educated, advocated and provided support where necessary. With the final notices now being served, the process is moving from awareness and assistance to enforcement.
🏠 WHY THE EMPHASIS ON FUNCTIONAL TOILETS?
Proper toilet facilities are a basic requirement for a clean and healthy community. The absence or improper use of toilets can contribute to poor sanitation, environmental pollution and public health risks.
PEPSA is therefore calling on households that are yet to comply to take immediate steps before the deadline expires.
⚠️ SEVEN DAYS.
After that, households that remain non-compliant could face prosecution under the applicable law.
PEPSA’S MESSAGE IS CLEAR:
👉 Every household must have a functional toilet.
👉 The final compliance period is now running.
👉 Non-compliance after the deadline will attract enforcement action.
Compliance is no longer optional.
Samuel Nathaniel Dapiya
Director General
Plateau Environmental Protection and Sanitation Agency (PEPSA)
-
News2 days agoNigeria Takes on the World! Chess Stars Begin 2026 Olympiad Battle in Samarkand
-
News3 days ago
Felix Arome Assumes Office as Director-General of Front Line Alliance Network
-
Health3 days ago
97% of PHCs in 16 states fail national staffing standards – Report
-
Health4 days ago
Nigerian senator receives Health Champion 2026 award, calls for stronger health financing
