By Bavoriat Clara
The Nigerian military has intensified its non-kinetic approach to peacebuilding with the hosting of an inaugural inter-tribal 17-kilometre race in Mangu Local Government Area of Plateau State. The event, organised under Operation Enduring Peace, was spearheaded by the General Officer Commanding 3 Division and Commander of the Joint Task Force, Major General Folusho Oyinlola, as part of efforts to consolidate the return of stability in the area.
The race, which drew participation from youths across different ethnic groups in Mangu Local Government Area, was designed to promote unity, foster communal harmony, and strengthen civil-military relations. In a statement issued by the Media Information Officer of the Joint Task Force, Captain Chinonso Polycarp Oteh, the initiative was described as a strategic move to transform the environment from one previously marked by conflict into a platform for peaceful interaction through sports.
Addressing participants, Major General Oyinlola highlighted the role of sports as a unifying force capable of bridging ethnic, religious, and social divides. He noted that the initiative reflects the military’s sustained commitment to conflict resolution and peacebuilding within the Joint Operations Area, urging residents to embrace teamwork, discipline, and mutual respect as essential values for long-term development.
The event also featured inspiring moments, including the participation of an 11-year-old runner who successfully completed the 17-kilometre race, symbolising resilience and hope among the younger generation.
In recognition of this achievement, the Liaison Director on Security to the Plateau State Governor, Hon. Ziphion Chrysanthus Terkop, announced secondary school scholarships and cash rewards of ₦100,000 each for the two youngest participants, aged 11 and 13.
Winners of the race in both male and female categories received cash prizes of ₦200,000, ₦150,000, and ₦100,000 for first, second, and third positions respectively, while participants who finished between fourth and tenth positions, as well as the oldest contestant, were given consolation prizes. Beyond the sporting event, the military also supported local farmers with the distribution of fertilisers to boost agricultural productivity and ensure food security as the planting season approaches.
In his remarks, the Chairman of Mangu Local Government Area, Hon. Bala Mwolpun, commended the military for restoring peace to the community and appealed for sustained troop presence to safeguard farmers during the farming season. Earlier, the Commander Sector 8 Operation Enduring Peace and Commanding Officer of CIB XII, Lieutenant Colonel Ofem John Ofem, described the race as a symbol of unity and a deliberate effort to replace memories of past conflicts with a culture of fitness and peaceful coexistence.
The event concluded with the commissioning of a newly constructed office block for the Chief of Army Staff Intervention Battalion XII in Mangu. The facility, which includes a Commanding Officer’s office, an operations centre, and a medical outpost, is expected to enhance operational efficiency and improve the responsiveness of troops deployed in the area.
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