The General Officer Commanding (GOC) 1 Division Nigerian Army, Maj.-Gen. Valentine Okoro, has charged personnel and other relevant security agencies to do more to curb all forms of insecurity within the division’s area of responsibility.

Mr Okoro made the call on Saturday in Kaduna at 2 Battalion, on the occasion of the West African Social Activities (WASA) 2023.

WASA is customarily observed to mark the end of training year and to usher in the new year by the Nigerian Army.

It is on this premise that the Chief of Army Staff directs formations and units to organise WASA yearly to uphold the unique military tradition.

Mr Okoro said WASA is meant to take officers and soldiers away from the routine regimented life to an atmosphere where they relax freely with one another as well as with their families and civilian friends.

The GOC, however, uged that all relevant security stakeholders join hands with the division to eradicate all forms of criminality within its area of responsibility in order to provide a conducive atmosphere for social and economic activities to thrive.

He, however, commended troops of the division for their dedication to duty, which he said, led to the successes recorded in the fight against insecurity in its area of responsibility.

The GOC charged them to be more hard working and continue to sustain the tempo in the fight against insecurity.

Mr Okoro thanked the Chief of Army Staff (COAS) for his continuous support especially in the area of training and welfare of personnel of the Nigeria Army in general, adding, ” 2024 has started with enthusiasm and good hope of further actualising the COAS vision.”

He also thanked Gov. Uba Sani for his support to the division towards ensuring a secured environment.

Mr Okoro restated the division’s commitment in consolidating on the gains of the past year through improved discipline and sustainable training to meet the Nigeria Army’s constitutional role.

In his remarks, the special guest of honour, Mr Sani, said his administration remained committed to promoting the already existing cordial military relationship to a greater level for the betterment of the good people of Kaduna state.

Mr Sani, represented by Samuel Aruwan, the administrator of Kaduna Capital Territory Authority, assured the division of government’s continued support in order to reap true dividend of peace and security.

Mr Sani commended the officers and soldiers of the division and Nigeria Army at large, while urging them to remain disciplined and committed to discharging their constitutional duties.

High points of the event included a tug of war competition between the barrack women and barrack youth corps members; cultural dance and display, dance by school children, special award for soldiers and feasting, among others.

(NAN)