THESHIELD Garkuwa
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By Suleiman Adamu, Sokoto
The General Officer Commanding 8 Division Nigeria Army , Sokoto , Major General Ibikunle Ajose has said that the war against banditry and terrorists across the area of responsibility of the command were progressively and steadily being won by troops, noting that several bandit leaders and their supporters had been eliminated.
He attributed the successes recorded to the strategic deployment of the COAS Special Intervention Battalion
VII in Gudu and other combat enablers as force multipliers in its operations in Sokoto state
Accordingly, the GOC reiterated military commitment to the defence and security of the country despite the challenges.
” We have resolved to remove all the encumbrances to peace across our area of responsibility for a more secured , peaceful and better nation.”
General Ajose remarked in his welcome address at the 2024 annual West African Social Activities(WASA) conducted at the 26 Battalion parade ground on Saturday in Sokoto.
He said the war against banditry and terrorists across the area of responsibility were progressively and steadily being won by troops, as several bandit leaders and their supporters had been eliminated.
” This is no doubt boosting socioeconomic activities across the Area of Responsibility, as farmers and loyal citizens are now going about their activities, boosting confidence reposed in us by the populace.
“Therefore, it is against this backdrop that I stand to say that the successes we recorded last year were because of dedication to service and commitment by all our personnel.”
According to Ajose who is also the Sector 2 Commander, NorthWest Operation Fansan Yamma, said all training schedules were completed as reflected in the Army Headquarters Forecast of Events for the year, notwithstanding some glaring challenges within the period.
However, the GOC urged all to be vigilant in security matters, especially in present time while thanking governor Aliyu Sokoto for his efforts and support towards achieving lasting peace in the state and been part of WASA.
Ajose said the event to further strength the bond of relations between and among officers, soldiers and the civil populace through social interactions and display of cultural activities.
He said the history of the event dated back to 1901 on the incorporation of Nigeria into West African Frontier Force due to the diverse cultural inclination of West African soldiers.
” The authorities at that time introduced WASA once every year for troops to participate in their local cultural activities in recognition of their historical backgrounds , culture and tradition .”
The GOC disclosed that his next line of action would be to consolidate on the many successes recorded in 2024 by keying into the COAS’ command philosophy which is “To Consolidate the Transformation of the Nigerian Army Towards Bequeathing a Well-Motivated and Combat-Ready Force that can Effectively Discharge its Constitutional Responsibilities within a Joint and Multi-Agency Environment”.
The Special Guest of Honour, Governor Ahmed Aliyu Sokoto described WASA as avenue through which the Nigeria Army and other security and civil agencies would consolidate it synergy gir the peace and security of lives and property of citizens.
He noted the role of the Army in keeping the country united as the last hope in the defence line.
” We are seeing their impact in securing our state and country. That is why the state government is consistently in collaboration with the Army and other security agencies to strengthen their capacity through various logistics support”, the governor who was represented by his Special Adviser , Col. Ahmed Usman rtd said.
Meanwhile , numerous social activities were displayed including cultural dance by diverse cultural troops , tug of war between men and women soldiers against male and female Corps members, comedy among other side activities that climaxed the event which also recognised for awards, some offices and men who distinguished themselves in various capacities.
