By Chijioke Kingsley
Abuja (Sundiata Post) – Special Military Task Force, code named Operation Safe Haven (OPSH), has said engaging youths in sports will greatly reduce their indulge in restive activities such as crimes, criminality, kidnapping, banditry, rape and other nefarious activities.
The Military said sports have a way of bringing people together to foster unity, peace and understanding.
Commander of the Force and General Officer Commanding 3 Division Nigerian Army, Maj-Gen Abdulsalam Abubakar, stated this during the finals of the “Commander Operation SAFE HAVEN Peace and Unity Football Competition 2023” organized for communities in Sanga Local Government Area of Kaduna State, on Saturday.
Speaking in a statement signed by the Spokesperson, 3 Division Nigerian Army, Lt. Col. Ishaku Takwa, Gen. Abubakar said the competition was organized to enhance and foster peaceful coexistence among diverse ethnic and religious groups in Southern Kaduna.
Abubakar, who was represented by the Commander 3 Division Garrison, Brigadier General Micheal Agi, tasked the youths to learn the lessons of sports which he said includes; teamwork, healthy competition, discipline and respect for one another.
According to him: “Sports are globally used to advance social cohesion, tolerance, mutual respect, and heal wounds among nations”, he said.
He however congratulated the winners of the event and called on the losers to
brace up and prepare for subsequent competition.
He lauded the government of Kaduna State and critical stakeholders for the support and cooperation given to security agencies.
Earlier in his address the Commander Forward Operating Base, Sanga, Major Mohammed Galadima noted that the competition was organized to promote physical fitness, cooperation and healthy competition among the youths of different backgrounds.
He said that 12 football teams from 4 chiefdoms participated in the competition.
