By Abdulkareem Haruna

It is undeniable that Plateau, a state in north central Nigeria, that has experienced numerous conflicts over the past decades, had enjoyed improved peace in 2024. This positive change can on a larger scale be attributed to the strategic leadership of Major General Abdulsalam. E. Abubakar, a distinguished officer in the Nigerian Army, whose innovative approach to peace has made a significant impact.

Just as he did in the Northeast region where he was elevated to the position of GOC 7 Div, General Abubakar, would rather focus on dialogue and working closely with communities than using military force. Although he has achieved numerous successes using a kinetic approach in situations where Boko Haram has proven stubborn, he still believes that non-kinetic methods are essential for achieving a lasting solution in the pursuit of peace during conflict.

As the General Officer Commanding (GOC) of the 3 Division and Commander of Operation SAFE HAVEN (OPSH), General Abubakar believes that understanding and communication are key to solving problems.

“Peace is built on understanding, not just force,” Major General Abubakar usually explains, as he acknowledges that many conflicts arise from economic issues and past grievances. 

To address these  underlying grievances, the GOC usually organizes town meetings and related dialogue sessions where people from different ethnic and religious backgrounds come together to share their concerns and work toward solutions. These meetings of course helped in building trust and understanding, reducing tensions in the region.

A significant part of his strategy is fostering teamwork among different security forces, including the police, the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), and local vigilante groups. By improving communication and coordination, these groups can respond more effectively to security threats. This teamwork not only enhances security but also boosts public confidence in the ability of authorities to maintain peace.

To Major General Abubakar the involvement of traditional and community leaders in peace efforts are crucial to peace building because, as he usually say, “local problems need local solutions, ” he asserts, highlighting the value of empowering communities to take charge of their security. By engaging these influential figures, he strengthens communal bonds and encourages local ownership of peace initiatives, making them more sustainable.

Education is another cornerstone of his approach. Major General Abubakar has launched programs that teach young people about the importance of peaceful coexistence and the dangers of violence. 

“Investing in our youth is investing in a peaceful future,” he usually notes. Through workshops and seminars, these programs guide young people toward positive activities, reducing their risk of getting involved in conflicts.

The impact of these efforts is clear. Reports from Plateau State show a significant drop in violence and a renewed sense of trust between communities and security agencies especially during the months of last year. The focus on dialogue and cooperation has created an environment where peace and development can thrive, allowing residents to move beyond the fear of conflict.

Major General Abubakar’s approach represents a shift in how security challenges are tackled. By combining military expertise with community engagement and dialogue, he is not only reducing violence but also laying the groundwork for lasting peace. His work serves as a model for other regions in Nigeria, demonstrating that understanding and cooperation can lead to a brighter future for everyone.

The efficacy of General Abubakar’s consistent work on improving the civil-military relations in Plateau state was tested during the nation-wide  end-hunger protest where residents continued to praise the troops of OPSH’s professionalism before, during and after the protest. Major General Abubakar received special commendation from many in Jos for his active presence in the streets of the capital city. He was very clear in his directives to the troops, consistently reminding them to uphold their core mandate: protecting the protesters while maintaining law and order and adhering to their rules of engagement. The experience in Jos during the nationwide protests was exemplary, as those aware of the potential for crisis had been apprehensive about the situation. Jos is known for its volatility in times of unrest, making the peaceful conduct of the protests particularly noteworthy. All thanks to the GOC 3 Div and his men. 

The embrace of non-kinetic strategy to solve the thorny security situation in Plateau has not in any way diminished the troops capacity to use other kinetic measures to deal with obnoxious situations. For example, in February last year, during a significant operation, troops of the Operation Safe Haven (OPSH) in Plateau State, under the command or Major General Abubakar, successfully raided a known gunrunner hideout, resulting in the recovery of a substantial cache of arms and ammunition. 

The Humanitarian Times gatherrr that that operation alone yielded five AK-47 rifles, four AK-47 magazines, 11 rounds of 7.62mm ammunition, five rounds of 9mm ammunition, 21 dane guns, four revolver rifles, and 11 pistols accompanied by five magazines. Additionally, the troops recovered 17 gun barrels, six rounds of .44 inch ammunition, and various tools including saws, filing machines, hammers, and drilling machines, as well as a Tiger generator. The February raid operation, which was just one out of many successful raids underscores the commitment of the troops and their collaboration with other security agencies in combating illegal arms proliferation and enhancing community safety.

Major General Abubakar has long maintained that actionable intelligence derived from credible information provided by community members is essential for building trust, saving lives, and fostering lasting peace. To enhance communication between the public and security agencies, the GOC has in September taken the lead in unveiling a new toll-free help line specifically for Operation SAFE HAVEN (OPSH). This innovative initiative aims to enhance the rapid reporting of emergencies and security concerns, ensuring that the community can easily connect with security forces when needed.

The newly activated toll-free number provides a direct and efficient channel for residents within the Operation SAFE HAVEN area to report any security issues or emergencies. This proactive measure allows critical information to reach Headquarters Operation SAFE HAVEN swiftly, enabling a prompt response to any threats.

The Military High Command encourages the general public to take advantage of this valuable resource. By reporting security breaches or matters of concern, citizens can play an active role in ensuring the safety and security of their communities.

This initiative not only reaffirms the commitment of the Military High Command to protect and serve but also fosters a spirit of collaboration between the military and the communities it safeguards. 

It is hoped that in this new year, 2025, Plateau state will continue to make more harvests of peace, and safer havens as Major General Abubakar and his gallant troops continue to lay a solid foundation for safety using the bricks of non-kinetic strategies and mortars of improved civil-military relations.