The general officer commanding (GOC) 1 Division Nigerian Army Kaduna, Mayirenso Saraso, said the division has recorded modest achievements in improving security in its area of responsibility in 2024.

Mr Saraso stated this at the annual 2024 West African Social Activities (WASA), held at the 2 Battalion parade ground in Ribadu Military Cantonment on Saturday in Kaduna.

He commended the troops for their robust and aggressive clearance operations against insurgents in Niger and Kaduna, which had led to the release of kidnapped victims and the surrender of bandits.

The GOC acknowledged the contributions of other security agencies and stakeholders in addressing security challenges.

Mr Saraso stated that the security situation in Kaduna, where he assumed duty as the GOC, was disturbing due to criminal activities.

“In the beginning of the year, there was the abduction of the Kuriga school children and also the unfortunate bombing of the Tudun Biri community, which we seriously regretted and took measures.

“But, here we are running through this year, most of these incidents have been curtailed, criminal activities have also reduced to a large extent,” he said.

According to him, commuters can now freely drive unescorted, unlike at the beginning of the year when the travellers were put together and escorted to and from by the military especially along Kaduna-Birnin Gwari Road.

Mr Saraso said, “With time, we stopped escorting, we started picketing the road at intervals. Today, we are only doing patrol along the road, with commuters driving freely. It is a big achievement for us.”

Similarly, the GOC said along the road and rail line of the Kaduna-Abuja corridors, they have also recorded tremendous progress, almost free of criminal activities compared to the previous years.

He, therefore, said that with all the achievements they had recorded, there was every reason for them to come together with their families, friends, and stakeholders to celebrate and think of what they would do in the new year.

Governor Uba Sani said he was particularly impressed by their division’s achievements in combating kidnapping, cattle rustling, and banditry. Mr Sani said the division’s successes have had a profound impact on the security of the state and its surrounding areas.

He said the collaborative approach with other security agencies through
Operation FANSAN YAMMA significantly contributed to the peace and stability of the state.

(NAN)