The General Officer Commanding (GOC), 1 Division Nigerian Army, Major General Taoreed Lagbaja says the continuous conduct of various operations in the Division Area of Responsibility (AOR) has drastically decreased security threats and rekindled confidence in the populace.
The GOC stated this at the 2022, 1 Division West African Social Activities (WASA), held at 2 Battalion parade ground, Ribadu Cantonment in Kaduna state.
He disclosed that the ongoing Operations Whirl Punch and Forest Sanity have drastically degraded the activities of bandits and other criminal elements within 1 Division Area of Operations.
He said the training directives and responsibilities for 1 Division in 2022 was effectively executed with high sense of professionalism and responsiveness.
He reiterated the commitment of the division to making Kaduna State peaceful for law abiding citizens to go on with their lawful businesses.
WASA
Speaking on WASA, Lagbaja explained that it is a yearly event reflecting the rich cultural heritage and tradition of the officers, soldiers and their families in the Nigerian Army.
According to him, the occasion is characterized by display of social, cultural, musical performances and regimental activities by the troops and their families.
The GOC mentioned that WASA also provides a forum for social interaction and an opportunity for the general public to appreciate barracks communities’ unique and diverse customs and glamorous traditions.
“This event therefore is a testimony of barracks, being regarded as a melting pot of different cultural heritage and social background.”
He added that the event was another forum to remember and pay tributes to the fallen heroes who paid the supreme sacrifice for the peace and unity of Nigeria.
“May their souls rest in perfect peace. It is also our heartfelt prayer that the Almighty God would give their families the strength and fortitude to bear the irreparable loss.”
Also, the Governor of Kaduna state, Nasir El-Rufai said such occasion usually foster bond between all the stakeholders in the government’s ongoing efforts at restoring peace and stability in all the troubled areas in the country.
The Governor, who was represented by Commissioner for internal Security and Home Affairs, Samuel Aruwan mentioned that 1 Division has very cogent reasons to celebrate the activities that ended Year 2022 as its officers and soldiers have so far, remained resolute in the discharge of their constitutional roles, especially in ensuring that there is relative calm in Kaduna State and environs.
“I am aware of your tremendous achievements in combating the myriad security challenges that have bedeviled our dear fatherland which are manifested in the forms of kidnapping, terrorism and other sundry crimes capable of disrupting public peace.”
“Your dogged determination in curbing these anomalies has brought tremendous positive change in the general security situation, and created a favourable environment for economic and socio-political activities to thrive.”
El-Rufai commended their efforts in fostering synergy and collaboration between the military institutions and other security agencies.
He urged them to remain vigilant, apolitical and steadfast in discharging their constitutional responsibilities.
