KADUNA – The General Officer Commanding (GOC) the Nigerian Army’s 1 Division in Kaduna, Major-General Abubakar Wase, has announced significant security improvements across the division’s area of responsibility for the year 2025. The announcement was made during the annual West African Social Activities (WASA) celebration, a key event in the military calendar that marks the end of training and operational activities.
Operational Successes and Strategic Context
Maj.-Gen. Wase detailed that the gains were achieved through a multi-faceted approach, primarily under the umbrella of Joint Task Force Operation FANSAN YAMMA. This joint operation, which integrates efforts with other security agencies, has been pivotal. The specific gains include:
- Reduced Kidnappings & Curtailed Cattle Rustling: These twin crimes have long plagued Nigeria’s North-West region, devastating rural economies and communities. The Division’s focused operations have disrupted the logistical and financial networks of criminal gangs, making these activities riskier and less profitable.
- Disrupted Criminal Networks: Beyond reactive strikes, the Division emphasized improved intelligence coordination. This involves collaborating with local communities, state security services, and intelligence agencies to identify and dismantle the command structures and hideouts of bandits and terrorists before they can launch attacks.
- Safer Communities: The cumulative effect is a tangible improvement in the safety of towns and villages within the Division’s purview, which includes the volatile Kaduna State and surrounding areas. This has allowed for more stable social and economic activities.
The GOC credited the success to the effective execution of the 2025 training directives, which were conducted with “professionalism and strict regimentation,” preparing troops for the complex, asymmetric warfare prevalent in the region.
The Role of WASA: Morale, Heritage, and Remembrance
The WASA event itself is more than a celebration; it is a critical institution for cohesion. As reported by the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), WASA serves to:
- Showcase Cultural Heritage: The barracks community is a “melting pot of diverse cultures.” WASA provides a platform for soldiers and their families from all over Nigeria to share their traditions, fostering mutual respect and national unity.
- Strengthen Civil-Military Bonds: By inviting host communities and civilian leaders, the Army builds essential trust and understanding, which is vital for successful counter-insurgency and community-based intelligence.
- Honour Fallen Heroes: A solemn moment of the event was dedicated to soldiers who “paid the supreme sacrifice.” This act of remembrance is crucial for unit morale, acknowledging the ultimate price paid for the reported security gains and binding the living to a legacy of service.
Political Recognition and Future Challenges
The Special Guest of Honour, Kaduna State Governor Uba Sani (represented by his Deputy, Dr. Hadiza Balarabe), formally commended the Division’s “extraordinary commitment.” He explicitly linked the military’s efforts to improved peace and security within the state, highlighting the importance of the civil authority’s support for operational success.
Looking ahead, both the GOC and the Governor outlined the path forward. Maj.-Gen. Wase urged his officers and men to “prepare for the challenges ahead” and fully implement the 2026 training activities. Governor Sani assured continued state support while urging the troops to remain “professional, resilient, and proactive.” The event concluded with awards presented to soldiers who distinguished themselves in 2025, reinforcing a culture of excellence.
The report from 1 Division presents a narrative of calibrated progress—where tactical military successes are consciously integrated with community engagement, cultural cohesion, and political partnership to create a more sustainable security environment.
Source: NAN (www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Bashir Rabe Mani
