Troops of the 8 Division, Nigerian Army and Sector 2 Operation FANSAN YAMMA (OPFY) have been lauded for their unalloyed dedication, commitment and resilience towards restoring lasting peace to Sokoto State and other Division’s Area of Responsibility (AOR).
Making this declaration on Saturday, 25th January, 2025 during the Headquarters 8 Division Combined West African Social Activities (WASA) 2024, held at the 26 Battalion Parade Ground, Giginya Cantonment, Sokoto, the Special Guest of Honour (SGOH) of the occasion, His Excellency Executive Governor of Sokoto State, Dr Ahmad Aliyu observed that the state more peaceful than before.
The SGOH who was represented by His Special Adviser on Careers and Security Matters, Colonel Ahmad Usman (Retd) stated that Sokoto State is calmer as persistent onslaught against bandits and terrorists is yielding positive results.
Acknowledging that some of the criminals have been eliminated, added that their camps destroyed and others fleeing to safe haven outside the State is a commendable feat by the troops of the division.
While highlighting the importance of WASA as an age-long event held annually by all NA formations and units across the Nation, stated that the event allows the troops and their families to embrace and appreciate the enduring spirit of unity, diverse cultural heritage and pursuit of peace in Nigeria and within the West African Sub Region.
Reiterating the significance of the occasion as a reminder of the collective responsibility to promote mutual understanding, respect and solidarity among various groups and communities that make up our great Nation and West African Region, the Governor stated that it is vital to harness the diverse cultural assets as tools for peace building, development and unity.
He appreciated the leadership role of the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 8 Division, Major General Ibikunle Ajose and the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt General Olufemi Oluyede for the efforts towards restoring lasting peace to Sokoto State.
As a result, he expressed his continuous support to all the security agencies in the State in collective efforts to achieve lasting peace in the State.
Earlier in his remarks, the GOC 8 Division and Commander Sector 2 OPFY, Major General Ibikunle Ajose appreciated the SGOH for his support towards achieving lasting peace in the State, highlighting that operationalization of 248 Battalion Illela, the recent deployment of COAS Special Intervention Battalion VII at Gudu, new Nigerian Air Force air assets and other combat enablers launched into the operation have been a force multiplier, leading to several successes recorded in the operation.
The GOC stressed that the war against banditry and terrorists across the AOR has been progressively and steadily won by troops, as several bandit leaders and their supporters have been eliminated, boosting socio-economic activities across the AOR, as farmers and loyal citizens are now going about their activities, boosting confidence reposed in the troops by the populace.
He assured that the Division and Sector 2 OPFY remain committed to the defence and security across the AOR, despite the challenges.
These were contained in a statement by the Acting Deputy Director of Army Public Relations, 8 Division, Lt Col Ibrahim Shittu adding that the historic event featured several cultural troupes display, tug of war and other performances, presentation of awards to the best soldiers of the year, passing out corps members, and prizes to the winners in various competitions, and bonfire was well attended by the Theatre Commander OPFY, Major General Oluyinka Soyele, senior military officers both serving and retired.
Others were His Eminence, the Sultan of Sokoto ably represented by the District Head Shuni Local Government Area, Alh Jabbi Ardo, Members of the Nigerian Army Officers Wives Association, Heads and Representatives of various security agencies in Sokoto State and Heads of various agencies.
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