The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Musa, has announced the official rebranding of Operation SAFE HAVEN to Operation ENDURING PEACE in a move aimed at addressing longstanding security challenges in Plateau and adjoining states.
Speaking during the ceremony on Friday, 29 August 2025, General Musa described the transition as a strategic step towards ensuring sustainable peace and stability in Plateau, Kaduna, Nasarawa and Benue States.
He noted that while Operation SAFE HAVEN had played a vital role in mitigating communal conflicts, curbing banditry and fostering civil-military relations, it had also faced significant constraints that limited its effectiveness.
“Despite the resilience and dedication of our troops, the operation suffered from operational and structural shortfalls, as well as inadequate critical enablers, which often made it reactive rather than proactive,” General Musa said.
According to him, the rebranding is not cosmetic but reflects “a broader mandate, renewed sense of purpose and stronger resolve to secure not just temporary safety, but lasting peace that will endure for generations.”
The CDS disclosed that Operation ENDURING PEACE would focus on intelligence-driven operations, inter-agency collaboration and community engagement under a Whole-of-Society Approach.
He revealed plans to deploy additional personnel, improve logistics, enhance troop welfare and strengthen synergy with neighbouring operations such as Operation WHIRL STROKE.
General Musa stressed that the new operation symbolizes the Armed Forces’ commitment to transforming conflict-ridden areas into “beacons of peace and prosperity.” He also called on political leaders, traditional rulers, religious figures and communities to partner with the military in rejecting inflammatory rhetoric and fostering reconciliation.
He expressed gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Minister of Defence, Mohammed Badaru Abubakar, the Minister of State for Defence, Dr Bello Matawalle, and the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, for their continued support to the Armed Forces.
The CDS urged troops to embrace the new identity with “pride, discipline and renewed vigour,” assuring Nigerians that the Armed Forces remain unwavering in their duty to protect lives and property.
“With the successful deactivation of Operation SAFE HAVEN, I hereby formally inaugurate and declare Operation ENDURING PEACE fully operational,” he declared.
Earlier in his welcome remark, the General Officer Commanding 3 Division Nigerian Army and Commander Joint Task Force Operation ENDURING PEACE, Major General Folusho Oyinlola, said the rebranding would usher in a renewed era of commitment, strategy, and purpose in the collective quest for peace and stability in the Joint Operations Area.
He, stated that the rebranding exercise was a strategic realignment designed to make operations more proactive, intelligence-driven and result-oriented.
The Commander, called on all stakeholders including community leaders, religious bodies, civil society organisations, youth groups, and indeed every law-abiding citizen to partner with Joint Task Force Operation ENDURING PEACE more closely than ever before, as it continues to tackle emerging security challenges.
In his goodwill message, the Chief of Defence Operations (CDOPS), Major General EV Onumajuru, remarked that the new Operation would address the noticeable gap in the previous conduct of operations for sustainable peace and development in the JOA. According to the CDOPS, JTF OPEP would improve the early warning mechanism and also dominate all ungoverned spaces with the support of local communities.
