Troops of the 8 Division Nigerian Army (NA) and Sector 2 Operation FANSAN YAMMA (OPFY) have been commended for their unalloyed dedication, commitment and resilience towards restoring lasting peace to Sokoto State and other Division's Area of Responsibility (AOR).
Acting Deputy Director Army Public Relations 8 Division, Lt Col Ibrahim Shittu in a press statement on Sunday noted thatl, Governor of Sokoto State, Dr Ahmad Aliyu during the Headquarters 8 Division Combined West African Social Activities (WASA) 2024 which was held on 25 January 2025 at the 26 Battalion Parade Ground, Giginya Cantonment Sokoto.
.The SGOH who was represented by His Special Adviser on Careers and Security Matters, Colonel Ahmad Usman (Rtd) stated that Sokoto State is becoming more peaceful to what he used to be in the past, as persistent onslaught against bandits and terrorists is yielding positive results, as some of them were eliminated, their camps destroyed and others fleeing to safe haven outside the State.
He highlighted the importance of WASA as an age long event held annually by all NA formations and units across the Nation, stating that the event affords the troops and their families the opportunity to embrace and appreciate the enduring spirit of unity, diverse cultural heritage and pursuit of peace in Nigeria and within the West African Sub Region.
While reiterating the significance of the occasion as a reminder of the collective responsibility to promote mutual understanding, respect and solidarity among various groups and communities that make up our great Nation and West African Region, he stated that it is vital to harness the diverse cultural assets as tools for peace building, development and unity.
While also appreciating the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 8 Division and the Chief of Army Staff (COAS) for the efforts towards restoring lasting peace to Sokoto State, he used the occasion to express his continuous support to all the security agencies the State in collective efforts to achieve lasting peace in the State.
Earlier in his remarks, the GOC 8 Division and Commander Sector 2 OPFY, Major General Ibikunle Ajose appreciated the SGOH for gracing the auspicious occasion and his support towards achieving lasting peace in the State, highlighting that operationalization of 248 Battalion Illela, recent deployment of COAS Special Intervention Battalion VII at Gudu, new Nigerian Air Force air assets and other combat enablers launched into the operation have been a force multiplier, leading to several successes recorded in the operation.
The GOC stressed that the war against banditry and terrorists across the AOR has been progressively and steadily won by troops, as several bandit leaders and their supporters have been eliminated, boosting socioeconomic activities across the AOR, as farmers and loyal citizens are now going about their activities, boosting confidence reposed in the troops by the populace.
He assured that the Division and Sector 2 OPFY remains commitment to the the defence and security across the AOR, despite the challenges.
The historic event which featured several cultural troupes display, tug of war and other performances, presentation of awards to the best soldiers of the year, passing out corps members, and prizes to the winners in various competitions, and bon fire was well attended by the Theatre Commander OPFY, Major General Oluyinka Soyele, senior military officers both serving and retired, His Eminence, the Sultan of Sokoto ably represented by the District Head Shuni Local Government Area, Alh Jabbi Ardo,
Members of the Nigerian Army Officers Wives Association, Heads and Representatives of various security agencies in Sokoto State and Heads of various Agencies and Parastatals among others.
