The 1 Brigade of the Nigerian Army, Gusau, Zamfara, has distributed clothes and shoes to no fewer than 500 vulnerable children to enhance the army’s community relations.
The gesture was part of the activities to mark the 2026 Armed Forces Remembrance Day.
The beneficiaries were selected from various Quranic schools and almajiri students along the streets in Gusau.
Presenting the items to the beneficiaries in Gusau on Sunday, the brigade commander, Brig.-Gen. Mustafa Jimoh, said the gesture aimed to enhance social protection activities among children, especially during the harmattan season.
Mr Jimoh, represented by the brigade’s chief imam, Maj. Mustafa Halilu, said the gesture was also intended to alleviate economic hardship among vulnerable citizens, especially those from low-income households.
The commander further said the gesture was to seek God’s intervention to end the lingering security challenges in the state.
“We are here today to extend the gesture of the Nigerian Army to boost our relationship with community members in Zamfara.
“You know, the children are the leaders of tomorrow; we want to use this time of Armed Forces Remembrance Day to celebrate with children to support them to acquire education.
“This is to seek support and cooperation for the troops of the Nigerian Army in the ongoing operations tackling banditry activities in the state,” he said.
The brigade commander also sought prayers for forgiveness for the thousands of soldiers who had paid the supreme price while on duty defending the nation.
He said soldiers were not only trained for war but also to provide relief and humanitarian support in emergency situations, such as outbreaks or epidemics, floods, and other related incidents.
“I want to appeal to you to pray for the success and divine protection of the troops of the Nigerian Army in an effort to restore normalcy across the country and even beyond.
“We have learnt that most of you are walking barefoot and are lacking wears, especially in this period of harmattan.
“We are now in the cold season; for this, the Nigerian Army has chosen to use his opportunity to provide shoes and cardigans for you,” Mr Jimoh stated.
(NAN)