The General Officer Commanding (GOC) 3 Division of the Nigerian Army and Commander, Operation Enduring Peace (OPEP), Major General Folusho Oyinlola, has reaffirmed the army’s commitment to protecting lives and property while consolidating lasting peace across Plateau State.
This assurance was given during the grand finale of the Peace and Unity Football Competition and the flag-off of the distribution of writing materials to schools in Mangu Local Government Area, organised by the Joint Task Force, Operation Enduring Peace. The event, held on Sunday, October 19, 2025, attracted dignitaries from within and outside the state.
The GOC explained that the competition and the educational support initiative formed part of the army’s broader non-kinetic engagements aimed at strengthening civil-military relations and fostering peace among diverse communities.
He noted that the army remained resolute in its constitutional mandate of safeguarding law-abiding citizens while ensuring that criminal elements would not be allowed to disrupt the prevailing calm.
According to him, the initiative was designed to promote unity and lasting peace through community-driven activities that foster collaboration, mutual understanding, and peaceful coexistence.
He said, “Operation Enduring Peace remains fully committed to its mandate of protecting lives and property without fear or favour. We will continue to work tirelessly with partner agencies to restore and sustain peace throughout Mangu and beyond.”
He further urged residents to embrace peaceful living and unity in their daily interactions, stressing that peace remained a shared responsibility between security agencies and the civilian population.
“Ensuring security is not the sole duty of the military. Every citizen must contribute to the peace process by remaining vigilant and reporting suspicious activities promptly to security agencies. All information will be treated with confidentiality,” he emphasized.
The GOC highlighted that the competition had showcased the power of sports and education in building bridges across divides. He encouraged participants to internalize the virtues of teamwork, discipline, fairness, and respect beyond the football field, describing them as values capable of transforming communities and deepening trust.
Earlier, the Commander of Sector 2, Operation Enduring Peace, Colonel S. O. Fagbemi, noted that the tournament brought together vibrant youths from eight major ethnic groups in Mangu LGA, promoting unity, friendship, and reconciliation.
“This competition provides a unique platform for our young people, regardless of ethnic or religious background, to engage, interact, and embrace one another in the spirit of unity and sportsmanship. Your participation sends a strong message that peace has truly found its home in Mangu Local Government Area,” he noted.
The Sector Commander further assured that Operation Enduring Peace would continue to act decisively against individuals or groups aiding or abetting criminality while deepening collaboration with traditional leaders, community stakeholders, and peace-loving citizens to consolidate ongoing stability in the area.
In his remarks, the Chairman of Mangu Local Government Area, Hon. Emmanuel Bala, appreciated the leadership of the 3 Division and Operation Enduring Peace for their consistent peace-driven initiatives. He emphasized that the football competition had significantly contributed to restoring unity among the people and assured that the council would sustain all peace efforts initiated by the army.
The grand finale reflected the army’s commitment to peacebuilding beyond the battlefield, leveraging sports as a unifying force among youths. The final match, which drew a large crowd, saw Mwaghavul Boys defeat Pyem Youth FC 8–7 on penalties, while Hausawa Community beat Sigdawa Youth in the third-place contest. Winning teams received medals and cash prizes.
