By Deji Adesogan
Leadership in military operations is often measured by victories on the battlefield, but history reserves its highest regard for commanders who achieve something even more enduring: lasting peace. The tenure of Major General Foluso Oyinlola as General Officer Commanding (GOC) 3 Division, Nigerian Army, and Commander of Operation Enduring Peace exemplifies this rare blend of operational effectiveness and strategic statesmanship.
When General Oyinlola assumed command, Plateau State remained burdened by recurring communal violence, criminality, and a complex web of security challenges. Restoring stability required more than superior firepower; it demanded a leader capable of combining decisive military action with thoughtful engagement. Throughout his tenure, he demonstrated that effective command extends beyond the battlefield to building confidence among the very people the military is sworn to protect.
Operationally, his record speaks for itself. Under his leadership, Operation Enduring Peace intensified intelligence-led operations against criminal networks, disrupted the activities of kidnappers and armed militias, rescued abducted victims, and strengthened the military’s presence across vulnerable communities. These efforts not only degraded criminal capabilities but also restored confidence among residents and improved freedom of movement in areas that had long been plagued by insecurity.
Yet, perhaps General Oyinlola’s greatest contribution was his recognition that military force alone cannot deliver sustainable peace. While kinetic operations remained necessary against violent actors who threatened public safety, he consistently championed non-kinetic approaches as an indispensable pillar of long-term security.
Understanding that many of Plateau State’s security challenges were rooted in historical grievances, mistrust, and communal tensions, he promoted dialogue, reconciliation, and inclusive stakeholder engagement. Traditional rulers, religious leaders, community elders, youth representatives, women’s groups, and civil society organisations became important partners in his broader peacebuilding strategy. Through regular consultations, confidence-building initiatives, and proactive conflict-resolution mechanisms, his command contributed to reducing tensions and encouraging peaceful coexistence among diverse communities.
This approach reflected a sophisticated appreciation of contemporary security operations. Rather than viewing communities solely as areas of military responsibility, General Oyinlola recognised them as indispensable partners in achieving peace. By strengthening civil-military relations and encouraging community participation, his command enhanced intelligence gathering, improved early warning mechanisms, and created an environment where security agencies and citizens worked towards a shared objective.
Equally commendable was his commitment to inter-agency collaboration. Working closely with sister security agencies, state institutions, and relevant stakeholders, Operation Enduring Peace developed into a more coordinated and responsive security architecture capable of addressing both immediate threats and their underlying drivers.
His leadership style also reinforced professionalism within the ranks. By maintaining high standards of discipline and operational accountability, he strengthened public trust in the Nigerian Army and reinforced the principle that effective security operations must be conducted with respect for the rule of law and the protection of civilian lives.
As his tenure comes to an end, General Oyinlola leaves behind far more than operational achievements. He leaves stronger institutional partnerships, improved civil-military relations, enhanced operational readiness, and a practical demonstration that enduring peace is built through both strength and dialogue. His command illustrated that military success should not be measured solely by the number of criminal elements neutralised, but also by the number of communities stabilised, lives protected, and opportunities created for peaceful coexistence.
Nigeria’s security challenges remain significant and continue to evolve. Nevertheless, the leadership demonstrated by Major General Folusho Oyinlola offers valuable lessons for contemporary military operations. His stewardship of 3 Division and Operation Enduring Peace has shown that decisive military action, when complemented by strategic engagement, inclusive dialogue, and respect for the communities being protected, provides the strongest foundation for sustainable peace.
As he proceeds to higher responsibilities, General Oyinlola departs with a legacy defined by professionalism, strategic foresight, operational excellence, and an unwavering commitment to national service. His tenure stands as a testament to a simple but profound truth: the finest military commanders are not remembered merely for the battles they fought, but for the peace they helped secure.
Deji Adesogan is a security analyst and digital communications expert. He can be reached via adesoganmedia@gmail.com or on X (formerly Twitter) @DejiAdesogan.
