By Chijioke Kingsley
Abuja (Sundiata Post) – The outgoing General Officer Commanding (GOC), and the Commander Operation Safe Haven (OPSH), (Outgoing), Maj-Gen Abdulsalam Abubakar, has said that the path to peace is not only through the barrels of guns, but also through dialogue, understanding and collaboration.
He said in states like Plateau, Southern Kaduna, where the conflicts are complex and civil in nature, approach like non-kinetic, culminating into strategic stakeholders meeting, civil military relations, are needed to achieve milestones sustainable peace in the troubled areas.
Gen Abubakar stated this on Wednesday during a stakeholders meeting tagged: “Consolidation on Security Gains for a Harmonious Coexistence in 2025” held at the 3 Division Barracks in Rukuba near Jos
The stakeholders engagement was part of the activities lined up for his handing over ceremony after commanding troops in Plateau State, Southern Kaduna and some parts of Bauchi State in the last one and a half years, making him the longest serving OPSH Commander deployed to head the Command.
According to him: “We witnessed improved security and stability in our various communities through your tireless efforts in support of our kinetic operations.
“One of the significant outcomes of our engagements is the increase in community participation in security matters. In this regard, several communities formed neighbourhood watches to complement the efforts of troops in policing the joint operational areas.
“Accordingly, we supported these efforts with stipends and logistics which aided the smooth functioning of these volunteer groups. Also, we embarked on several Quick Impact projects in some communities affected by conflicts to give succour to these communities. Likewise, we used sporting activities to bring youths across all sides of the divide together to foster peaceful coexistence”, he said.
He thanked stakeholders, friends, and former GOCs and Commanders who attended the event, saying it speaks volume of their commitments to peace building.
“Let me begin by extending my sincere gratitude to all of you who have made time to attend this stakeholders’ engagement which happens to be my last one as General Officer Commanding 3 Division/Commander Operation SAFE HAVEN.
“Your presence at this engagement today speaks volume about your commitment, cooperation and unity we have built over time.
“The unwavering support you provided has been instrumental in the successes we recorded and it is only fitting to take this opportunity to acknowledge these milestones while also looking forward to the challenges ahead.
“However, as we acknowledge the gains made so far, let us not forget that security challenges still exist in the Joint Operations Area though on a low scale. It is imperative to sustain the collective efforts against insecurity as these low-scale criminalities could boomerang if left unchecked.
“Therefore, as I transit out of this command, I ask for your continued support for my successor. Just as you supported me, I implore you to extend the same cooperation and dedication to the incoming General Officer Commanding/Commander Operation SAFE HAVEN”, he said.
Responding, the incoming General Officer Commanding and Commander Operation Safe Haven, Maj-Gen Eyitayo Oyinlola pledged to sustain and improve upon the achievements of his predecessor.
“The cycle of violence in the Commands Joint Operational Area must be broken”, he said.