, 8 Division and Commander Sector 2 Joint Task Force North West Operation FANSAN YAMMA (OPFY) Major General Ibikunle Ajose, said over the past year, troops successfully Rescued 1,023 kidnapped victims, Recovered 189 AK-47 rifles and 4,338 rounds of ammunition.){kind=link}
The General Officer Commanding (GOC), 8 Division and Commander Sector 2 Joint Task Force North West Operation FANSAN YAMMA (OPFY) Major General Ibikunle Ajose, said over the past year, troops successfully rescued 1,023 kidnapped victims, recovered 189 AK-47 rifles and 4,338 rounds of ammunition.
He highlighted the significant achievements under the division’s area of responsibility at the 2025 West African Social Activity at Giginya Cantonment in Sokoto.
General Ajose added that, “Others included seizure of 305 motorcycles used by bandits, Recovery of 4,123 stolen livestock and Neutralization of several high-profile bandit leaders.”
Major General Ajose emphasised that these efforts have restored security and economic confidence in the region, enabling farmers and citizens to resume their daily activities without fear.
He stated that the war against banditry and terrorism is being progressively won by our troops.
The GOC attributed the successes to the unwavering dedication of personnel of the Division and the strategic leadership of the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu.
General Ajose further said the Division’s focus on improving troop welfare, including upgrades of medical facilities an accommodation.
The GOC who is the chief host said as the training year concluded, the 8 Division reaffirmed its resolve to build on these successes, ensuring a safer and more secure North West region for all citizens.
These initiatives, he noted, have been instrumental in sustaining morale and operational effectiveness. He expressed gratitude to the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu for his support and pledged to consolidate on the year’s achievements in alignment with the COAS’s command philosophy.
Also speaking, the special guest of honour and the Sokoto State Governor, Dr Ahmad Aliyu, praised the Nigerian Army’s commitment to national security.
Represented by his Special Adviser on Security, Colonel Ahmed Abdul Usman (rtd), Aliyu described WASA as “a historic symbol of unity, discipline, and cultural pride.”
He reaffirmed the State Government’s continued partnership with the military to foster peace and prosperity.
The Governor also lauded the Nigerian Army for its unwavering commitment to national security and praised the newly appointed Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu for his exemplary leadership.
The 8 Division Nigerian Army and Sector 2 Joint Task Force North West Operation FANSAN YAMMA marked the culmination of a year of remarkable operational triumphs against banditry during its annual West African Social Activities (WASA) celebration at the Giginya Cantonment, Sokoto State.
The event, which also highlighted the Division’s rich cultural diversity, served as a platform to honour the bravery and dedication of troops in safeguarding communities across the North West.
The WASA featured a vibrant display of cultural performances, diverse cuisines from various formations and a spirited tug-of-war contest between the Eagle Corps members and the Giginya Cantonment Magajiyas, presentations of awards to officers and Soldiers who distinguish themselves in the under review.
Soldiers, their families, and guests celebrated the year’s achievements amid colorful traditions, reinforcing the bond between the military and the communities they serve.