THE GIANT AND UNCOMMON STRIDES OF MAJOR GENERAL ANTHONY ATOLAGBE AS COMMANDER OPERATION SAFE HAVEN OPSH

Opinion

Great men have written that “Those who advance the course of the society at the expense of their personal comfort in the midst of many alternatives are the true Patriots”. Such is the person of an Amiable General of the Nigerian Army who steers the affairs of Operation Safe Haven Jos. Major General Anthony Atolagbe, the commander ‘Operation Safe Haven’ Jos is best described succinctly well in this category of astute beings. Principled, focused, determined, hardworking, dedicated and consummate professional, he bestrode his military service career with milky antecedents that are glaring for all to see and savour. His sagacity and dexterity has been so effectively displayed on his tasks as currently exhibited at his duty post as commander ‘operation safe Haven’ Jos.

Of course it is general knowledge that security challenges are a common place in every society. Perhaps the operations environment too is besieged with her loads of security issues. This ranges from political to religious, social induced and then of course those propelled by external forces without a clear ideology. Nevertheless, no matter the source of crisis in the society, insecurity is not palatable . Therefore the basic concern for our security agents at every turn is to enhance the security of the people and nip in the bud evolving security threats that otherwise would degenerate.

Major General Anthony Atolagbe comes handy in the face of seemingly insurmountable challenges in the country particularly, between herdsmen/farmers, communal clashes and the occasional religious restlessness in parts of the country under his jurisdiction in the North Central Nigeria. Atolagbe who has given all his essence in the defense and protection of country has willfully done this overtime since he assumed duty with pride and precision and with love of country. This is overtly demonstrated in his personal sacrifices in the course of performance of his duty. His emergence on the saddle as commander of ‘operation safe Haven’ has practically neutralized the audacity of criminal elements among herdsmen nefarious activities in the three states of Plateau, Bauchi and southern Kaduna. He has exhibited military finesse, courage and fearlessness to the consternation and admiration of the masses in the face of daunting security challenges. Major General Anthony Atolagbe came on the job with one mandate…. To restore peace and ensure an unbridled security of lives and property so that development can thrive and every citizen can go about their daily lives under relative security. This, he has achieved through a number of positive approaches like professional troops deployment, use of IT, innovation of the Motorcycle special operations concept, constant peace advocacy, dialogue, respect for rule law and engagement.

His incorporation of religious, youths,and community development leaders into intelligence gathering has so much eliminated avoidable leaks which hitherto would be lost to poor intelligence apparatus or framework. All these has fostered immeasurable level of confidence in the professional conduct and capacities of OPSH and its command hierarchy.

His civil military approach to handling issues has reinforced confidence in the host communities. This has made security an issue that is a responsibility and challenge to all.

The emergence of Major General Anthony Atolagbe as commander of operation safe Haven has been evidently justified through the cessation of incessant killings that characterised some parts of the areas under his command before taking the mantle of leadership.

His attention to the welfare of staff and insistence on adherence to strict professional ethics and moral support for subordinates has sustained the tempo needed for effectively prosecuting the mandate of the operation.

His penchant for observation of international best practices as enshrined in the United nations rules of engagement cannot be overemphasized. He has drawn from his immense knowledge derived from several peace enforcement and peace keeping operations in which he has participated across Africa spanning the period of his career. He is himself an advocate of human rights preservation and a gender expert who ensures probity and adherence to global standards.

All this exploits have been pursued and implemented in the face of dwindling resources which is common place in our public institutions. His innovative ideas has covered many gaps as he keys in to the idea of doing-much-with-little; a concept also embraced by international organizations.

With this combined exploits and contributions of Major General Atolagbe to security development in the country, it is no surprise that he was recently nominated by the International Federation of civil rights and Liberty Organizations for honors. With this sort of endearing characters in the military, Nigerians are sure of stability and enhanced security. With people of professional capacities like Major General Atolagbe, the army hierarchy is assured of the best think tanks at critical brainstorming sessions such Nigeria is in now. Nigerians deserve to be protected by people with tested antecedents in the mould of the fire brand army general of the Nigerian Army Infantry Corps; Maj Gen Anthony Atolagbe. As we journey and clamour towards a stable and sustainable security enhancement process in the country, Nigerians are yearning for more of Atolagbe’s quality kind in the military circle so as to continue to consolidate on the good works of the current leadership of the army as ably led by Lt General Turkur Buratai, COAS and president Muhammadu Buhari Commander in chief of the armed forces.

Dr Christopher Yakubu A Security Expert write from Jos North Central Nigeria.

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THE GIANT AND UNCOMMON STRIDES OF MAJOR GENERAL ANTHONY ATOLAGBE AS COMMANDER OPERATION SAFE HAVEN OPSH