The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Gwabin Musa, has officially rebranded Operation SAFE HAVEN to Joint Task Force Operation ENDURING PEACE (JTF OPEP), signaling a new era in the pursuit of sustainable peace and security in the North Central region.
The CDS made the announcement during the flag-off ceremony of the new Operation in Jos, Plateau State.
In a statement by Major Samson Zhakom, Media Information Officer, Joint Task Force OPEP, General Musa commended the role of Operation SAFE HAVEN in stabilizing communities plagued by recurrent violence. He said the rebranding reflects a broader mandate, renewed purpose, and stronger resolve to secure not just temporary safety but a peace that would “endure for generations.”
The CDS stressed that security challenges require sustainable solutions beyond immediate interventions. He affirmed that JTF OPEP would place greater emphasis on inter-agency collaboration, intelligence-driven operations, and community engagement, adopting a whole-of-society approach. He urged troops to embrace the new identity with pride, discipline, and renewed vigor in carrying out their duties.
In his welcome remarks, the General Officer Commanding 3 Division, Nigerian Army and Commander Joint Task Force OPEP, Major General Folusho Oyinlola, said the rebranding marks a strategic realignment to make operations more proactive, intelligence-led, and result-oriented. He called on stakeholders — including community leaders, religious institutions, civil society organizations, and youth groups — to work closely with the JTF in restoring peace.
The Chief of Defence Operations (CDOPS), Major General EV Onumajuru, highlighted that JTF OPEP is structured to fill gaps identified in previous operations, strengthen early warning mechanisms, and dominate ungoverned spaces with community support.
Highlights of the ceremony included inspection of the quarter guard, decoration of the Commander with the new JTF OPEP badge, hoisting of the new operational flag, and a morale-boosting address to troops.
