Operation Safe Haven Holds Final of Peace and Unity Football Tournament in Jos

The Special Task Force Operation SAFE HAVEN (OPSH) today 26 July 2025, held the final of its annual Peace, Unity and Scouting Football Tournament in Jos, Plateau State. A statement by the Media Information Officer of the Operation Nantip Zhakom on Saturday 26th July 2025 in Jos, it noted that the 5th edition had in attendance dignitaries within and outside the State.

Delivering the goodwill message, the General Officer Commanding 3 Division Nigerian Army and Commander Operation SAFE HAVEN, Major General Folusho Oyinlola, described the tournament as a significant tool in enhancing peaceful coexistence among diverse ethnic-religious and socio-cultural groups across OPSH Joint Operations Area. Represented by the Chief of Staff Operation SAFE HAVEN, Brigadier General MO Agi, the Commander added that the command is always ready to support initiatives tailored towards uniting the people and develop the society.

Major General Oyinlola, pledged the resolve of OPSH to continually facilitate the football tournament and other sporting activities where future sports stars will be produced, while also serving as motivation to other youths. The Commander urged the people to avoid acts that could undermine efforts put into improving the growth and development of the society. He promised to consolidate on the successes recorded so far against criminality, especially the neutralization and arrest of armed bandits in the JOA.

The Special Guest of Honour and Ujah Anaguta, His Royal Majesty Johnson Pozoh Magaji, thanked the military for strengthening cooperation with the civil populace through sporting activities. The royal father called on the public to increase the support for security agencies so as to encourage them to work continuously for the security and safety of the country.

The ceremony featured a third place football match between Bassa and Southern Kaduna LGAs, with Bassa winning the match. Also, the final match between Shendam and Barkin Ladi LGAs ended in favour of Shendam after a penalty shootout. The winning team and others were presented with medals and cash prizes.