GOC Oyinlola Urges Unity, Intelligence Sharing to Keep Plateau Peaceful

The General Officer Commanding (GOC) 3 Division Nigerian Army and Commander of Joint Task Force Operation ENDURING PEACE, Major General Folusho Oyinlola, has called on stakeholders from Plateau State’s 17 Local Government Areas to consolidate security gains and prevent a return to violence that could disrupt the 2026 farming season.

Speaking during a one-day expanded stakeholders’ engagement held on July 16, 2026, at the Headquarters 3 Division, Maxwell Khobe Cantonment, Jos, Oyinlola said sustaining peace in farming communities is essential for food production, economic stability, and the protection of lives and property. The meeting brought together representatives of the 17 LGAs, traditional rulers, farmers, herders, community leaders, retired senior military officers, local government officials, and stakeholders from Plateau as well as neighbouring Kaduna and Bauchi states.
The GOC described the engagement as a strategic platform for promoting dialogue, building trust, and resolving disputes before they escalate into violence. He noted that regular interaction among farmers, herders, traditional institutions, community leaders, and security agencies has reduced tensions, improved security, and created a safer environment for farming and grazing activities. According to him, the peaceful resolution of several disputes demonstrates that lasting security can only be achieved through sustained collaboration, mutual trust, and shared responsibility.
Highlighting the achievements of Operation ENDURING PEACE, Oyinlola said its non-kinetic approach, including community-led policing, Quick Impact Projects, and youth sporting activities, has strengthened public confidence, improved civil-military relations, and encouraged peaceful coexistence in previously troubled communities. He, however, warned that isolated criminal activities still threaten the fragile peace and urged residents to remain vigilant by providing credible intelligence to security agencies. He also called on stakeholders to ensure that resolutions reached at the meeting are implemented at the grassroots to sustain peace throughout the farming season.
Speaking on behalf of community stakeholders, Dauda Adam Mamman commended Oyinlola for his consistent engagement with local communities, describing the dialogue-based approach as a major contributor to the relative peace currently enjoyed in Plateau State. He urged farmers and herders to embrace peaceful coexistence and resolve disputes through lawful channels rather than confronting security personnel.
Representing the state’s Local Government Chairmen, the Chairman of Riyom Local Government Area, Hon. Sati Bature Shuwa, praised the outgoing GOC’s leadership and expressed confidence that the security gains achieved under his command would be sustained. He also pledged the continued support of all 17 local government councils for the incoming leadership of Operation ENDURING PEACE.
Also speaking, Brigadier General J.N. Temlong (Rtd.) urged communities to strengthen grassroots early warning mechanisms capable of detecting security threats before they escalate into violent conflicts. He commended the Chief of Army Staff for supporting Operation ENDURING PEACE and assured the incoming commander of the cooperation of retired military officers.
The Chairman of the Plateau State Traditional Council and Gbong Gwom Jos, Da Jacob Buba Gyang, applauded the Nigerian Army for improving security across the state and encouraged residents to expose criminal elements by providing timely intelligence to security agencies.
Receiving the baton of leadership, the incoming GOC 3 Division and Commander of Operation ENDURING PEACE, Major General Maxwell Dangana, pledged to sustain the security gains already recorded and deepen collaboration with communities. He reiterated that security is a shared responsibility and urged residents to identify and report criminal elements, avoid reprisals, and support ongoing peacebuilding efforts through timely intelligence sharing.
The meeting ended with an interactive session during which stakeholders proposed practical measures to strengthen cooperation, improve early warning systems, and consolidate peace across Plateau and neighbouring states ahead of the peak of the 2026 farming season.