by Christiana Gokyo, Jos
The Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Gwabin Musa, has appealed to local leaders in Plateau State to encourage their youths to identify and isolate criminal elements within and across their communities – in order to prevent widespread unrest and maintain peace.
“We must take decisive actions to halt the cycle of violence affecting Plateau and neighboring states experiencing similar challenges,” he stated.
He was speaking during his operational visit to the Headquarters of Operation Safe Haven in Jos, Plateau State, on Friday.
While calling for a renewed sense of responsibility among Commanders, the Chief of Defence Staff pledged to hold accountable anyone found neglecting their duties, and promised to bolster the operational capabilities “with enhanced logistical support.”
He further affirmed that the Armed Forces are re-evaluating their strategies to prevent bandit attacks on communities in Plateau State and other areas under Operation Safe Haven.
General Musa emphasized the need for adapting military tactics to address the asymmetric nature of the ongoing conflict, stressing that, “We must take decisive actions to halt the cycle of violence affecting Plateau and neighboring states experiencing similar challenges.”
Also, Commander Operation Safe Haven, who doubles as General Officer Commanding 3 Division of the Nigerian Army, Major-General Eyitayo Folusho Oyinlola, highlighted the achievements of the operation, despite recent setbacks.
He expressed a commitment to sustaining these efforts to protect vulnerable communities in the region, adding that the Command has deepened the existing relationship with other security agencies to build a stronger intelligence network for effective operations.
He reassured the CDS that Operation SAFE HAVEN will not relent until the peace process embarked upon is completed with visible evidence across the entire joint area of operation.
Earlier, General Musa also toured the Nigerian Army Medical Centre at Tigi and Sector 6 in Jebbu Bindi, within Riyom Local Government Area of Plateau State. While on the tour, he pledged his support to the health facility to ensure it provides efficient medical care to frontline troops and the surrounding community.
In his visit to the Jebbu Bindi community, he urged the troops to remain vigilant and fully committed to their duties, emphasizing the importance of maintaining strong community relations to safeguard peace and security.