The sustained vigilance and operational readiness of military personnel were the cornerstone of a peaceful and successful 2025 Christmas season in Imo State, according to a senior Army commander. This success underscores the critical, often unseen, work of security forces during high-risk periods.
By Victor Nwachukwu
Owerri, Jan. 4, 2026 (NAN)
The Commander of the 34 Artillery Brigade, Nigerian Army, Major-General Ibrahim Abass, has formally attributed the secure atmosphere enjoyed by residents during the year 2025 Yuletide to the unwavering alertness and dedication of his troops. The commander’s statement highlights a fundamental military reality: holidays, characterized by large gatherings and travel, often present heightened security vulnerabilities that require enhanced, proactive measures.
Maj.-Gen. Abass made these remarks during the 2025 edition of the West African Social Activities (WASA), a significant annual event held at the Obinze Barracks in Owerri on Saturday. WASA is far more than a mere social gathering; it is a deeply rooted military tradition designed to achieve strategic objectives.
He explained that WASA serves a dual purpose. Primarily, it provides a sanctioned and necessary outlet for soldiers and their families to unwind and celebrate after a demanding year—a vital component of maintaining morale and mental resilience within the force. However, this relaxation occurs within the framework of a “vigilant and protective” posture, emphasizing that the responsibility for national security is never fully set aside.
Secondly, and perhaps more importantly for the public, WASA is a key instrument of civil-military cooperation. “Adopted as part of the Nigerian Army’s regimentation, WASA aims to reinforce civil-military cooperation and showcase Nigeria’s rich and diverse cultural heritage,” Gen. Abass stated. This interaction breaks down barriers, fosters mutual understanding, and allows the civilian population to see soldiers as partners and community members, not just as an enforcement entity.
“WASA affords members of the Nigerian Army and their families the opportunity to interact with their civil counterparts in a relaxed setting,” he added, noting that such interactions build the essential trust required for effective intelligence gathering and community-based security initiatives.
The commander linked the brigade’s recent successes directly to the leadership philosophy of the Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Waidi Shaibu, thanking him for his commitment to national peace and support. “In line with the Chief of Army Staff’s command philosophy, the brigade has been instrumental in supporting several assigned missions to tackle contemporary security challenges facing the nation,” Abass affirmed. This indicates that the peaceful yuletide was not an isolated event but part of a broader, coordinated operational strategy.
He also extended gratitude to the families of soldiers, recognizing their crucial role as the backbone of support. The resilience of military families during deployments and operations is a critical, yet often overlooked, factor in operational success.
The WASA event itself was a vibrant display of unity in diversity. As reported by the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), the festivities featured cultural dance performances from various ethnic groups across Nigeria, a symbolic tasting of indigenous dishes by the commander, and participatory activities like tug-of-war. The lighting of a ceremonial bonfire and the presentation of awards to personnel for outstanding achievements in 2025 served to honor excellence and reinforce regimental pride.
The high-profile attendance of all heads of security agencies in Imo State, traditional rulers, and other dignitaries underscored the event’s significance in fostering a unified security front and strengthening community leadership ties.
Analysis: This report transcends a simple event summary. It illustrates a modern military approach where operational success (a secure yuletide) is intertwined with strategic community engagement (WASA). The commander’s message is clear: lasting security is not achieved through force alone, but through a combination of constant vigilance, strong leadership, internal morale, and the active cultivation of trust with the civilian population. The peaceful holiday season stands as a tangible result of this multifaceted strategy.
VIN /KOO
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Edited by Kevin Okunzuwa
