As part of its commitment to non-kinetic strategies for maintaining security within the Joint Operations Area (JOA), the Joint Task Force Operation Enduring Peace (JTF OPEP) on Saturday, 6 September 2025, launched a tree planting campaign, donated relief materials to an orphanage, and distributed wheelchairs to physically challenged students. The event, organized by Sector 1 JTF OPEP, took place at Government College Jos.

In his remarks, the Special Guest of Honour, General Officer Commanding (GOC) 3 Division Nigerian Army and Commander of JTF OPEP, Major General Folusho Oyinlola, highlighted the Sector’s ongoing commitment not only to securing lives and property within its Area of Responsibility but also to promoting community welfare and healthy living.

General Oyinlola emphasized that the tree planting exercise is a key non-kinetic initiative by JTF OPEP aimed at winning the hearts and minds of the people while improving their health and quality of life. He noted that this initiative supports host communities in combating deforestation, a challenge often caused by illegal tree felling for domestic use.

The General further explained that the rebranding of the operation reflects renewed determination to restore peace and stability through tactical deployment, effective coordination, and mapping of ungoverned spaces to deny criminal elements freedom of movement. He called on the public to cooperate with security agencies to ensure that perpetrators of crimes are brought to justice.

Earlier, in his welcome address, Commander Sector 1 JTF OPEP, Navy Captain MA Fana, expressed gratitude to the GOC/Commander JTF OPEP for his moral and logistical support. He also thanked key stakeholders within Sector 1’s Area of Responsibility for their contributions to the success of the tree planting campaign. Navy Captain Fana explained that the noticeable environmental degradation motivated the Sector to embark on this non-kinetic intervention for the benefit of host communities.

In her vote of thanks, the Plateau State Commissioner for Education, Dr. Mrs. Kachollom Pyam, expressed deep appreciation on behalf of the State Government for JTF OPEP’s generous gesture. She assured the Command that the students would care for the trees and pledged to revive the tradition of tree planting in schools.

The event was attended by the Commissioner for Education, the Commissioner of Police Plateau State, the Provost of the Federal College of Forestry Jos, Royal Fathers, and Religious Leaders. Activities included tree planting, the donation of wheelchairs to physically challenged students, and the presentation of relief materials to an orphanage.

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