The General Officer Commanding (GOC) 3 Division Nigerian Army and Commander, Operation ENDURING PEACE (OPEP), Major General Maxwell Dangana, on Friday, 28 August 2026, received the Chairman of Jama’atu Nasril Islam (JNI), Bassa Local Government chapter, Mallam Mohammad Audu, and his entourage during a courtesy visit to Headquarters 3 Division, Maxwell Khobe Cantonment, Jos. Receiving the delegation, Major General Dangana described the JNI Chairman as “one of us,” acknowledging his longstanding relationship with the military and the wider community.
A statement signed by Lieutenant Colonel Olumide Victor Olukoya Acting Deputy Director Army Public Relations 3 Division Nigerian Army said he emphasized the importance of strong and enduring relationships between the military and civil populace, noting that such partnerships are vital to fostering trust, mutual understanding and cooperation.
The GOC described the JNI as a critical and influential Islamic organisation whose relevance extends beyond Nigeria, particularly in the promotion of interreligious dialogue, peaceful coexistence, mutual understanding and harmony among people of diverse faiths. He noted that the organisation’s commitment to promoting and upholding the Islamic faith through peaceful means remains significant, particularly in communities where collaboration among religious leaders, traditional institutions, community stakeholders and security agencies is essential to sustaining peace and stability.
Major General Dangana further stressed the need for sustained dialogue and cooperation among relevant stakeholders in addressing issues affecting communities. He assured the delegation that matters concerning justice, consultation and the fear of God would continue to receive appropriate attention, while urging all stakeholders to approach societal challenges with sincerity, fairness and mutual understanding. According to him, collective efforts and constructive engagement remain essential to developing lasting solutions to the challenges confronting society and strengthening peaceful coexistence among communities.
Earlier, the Chairman of JNI, Bassa Local Government chapter, Mallam Mohammad, expressed appreciation to the GOC for granting the delegation the opportunity to pay the courtesy visit. He assured the GOC of the organisation’s prayers, cooperation and support, while praying that the tenure of the GOC would further strengthen the Division’s reputation for discipline, unity, peace and service to humanity. Mallam Audu congratulated Major General Dangana on his appointment as GOC 3 Division and Commander OPEP, and reaffirmed the JNI’s commitment to supporting efforts aimed at promoting peaceful coexistence and stability within the society.
He explained that Jama’atu Nasril Islam, meaning “Society for the Support of Islam,” was established in 1962 with a commitment to educating Muslims, providing Islamic education, promoting unity among Muslims irrespective of sectarian or brotherhood affiliations, as well as encouraging interreligious dialogue and peaceful coexistence. The JNI Chairman further expressed confidence in the leadership of Major General Dangana, noting that continued collaboration between religious organisations and security agencies would contribute significantly to peace, unity and development.
The visit culminated in the presentation of souvenirs and a group photograph.
