The center point of this year’s celebration at the 8 Division of the Nigerian Army West African Social Activities, WASA, 2024 was the steady success in eliminating bandits.
Major General Ibikunle Ajose, the general Officer Commanding, GOC, 8 Division and Commander of Sector 2 Operation FANSAN YAMMA, also reflected on the operational successes and infrastructure development at the event held at the 26 Battalion Parade Ground, Giginya Cantonment in Sokoto.
Ajose, in his welcome remarks, stated that, “remarkably, the war against banditry and terrorism across our Area of Responsibility has been progressively and steadily won by our troops, as several bandit leaders and their supporters have been eliminated.
“The achievements of 8 Division in 2024, in the areas of operational successes and infrastructure development includes, the operationalisation of the 248 Recce Battalion in Illelah, the deployment of the Chief of Army Staff Special Intervention Battalion VII in Gudu, and the launch of new NAF air assets and other combat enablers.
“These developments have been force multipliers, leading to several successes in the army’s operations.”
In his speech, the governor of Sokoto State, Ahmed Aliyu, represented by his special adviser on Career and Security Matters, Colonel Ahmed Usman (rtd), commended the army’s efforts in maintaining a strong connection to its cultural background.
Aliyu remarked that the occasion serves as a reminder of the collective responsibility in promoting mutual understanding, respect, and solidarity among various groups and communities in West Africa.
Highlights of the event included cultural food displays, cultural dances by various troupes, award presentations, and a fireworks display.
The West African Social Activities, WASA, is a yearly event aimed at fostering social interaction, unity and camaraderie among officers, soldiers, and their families from diverse cultural backgrounds.
The history of the event dates back to 1901, during the incorporation of Nigeria into the West African Frontier Force. Due to the diverse cultural inclinations of West African soldiers, the authorities at that time introduced WASA annually for troops to participate in their local cultural activities.
