…Rescues Over 1,000 Victims in North West

By Musa Ubandawaki, Sokoto

SOKOTO — The Nigerian Army has reaffirmed its growing dominance over banditry and violent criminal networks in the North West, as the 8 Division and Sector 2 Joint Task Force, Operation FANSAN YAMMA, showcased a year of major operational successes during the 2025 West African Social Activities (WASA) celebration in Sokoto.

The colourful event, held at the Giginya Cantonment, marked the end of the Army’s training year and served both as a cultural festival and a moment of reflection on intensified military efforts to restore peace across Sokoto, Zamfara, Kebbi, Katsina and neighbouring states.

Beyond celebrating Nigeria’s rich cultural heritage, the WASA provided a platform for the Army to present concrete security gains recorded under Operation FANSAN YAMMA, a key component of the Federal Government’s counter-banditry strategy in the region.

Representing the Sokoto State Governor, Dr. Ahmed Aliyu Sokoto, the Special Adviser on Security, Colonel Ahmed Abdu (rtd), commended the Nigerian Army for what he described as its “unwavering sacrifice, professionalism and patriotism” in defending communities under persistent threat.

He described WASA as a historic symbol of unity, discipline and cultural pride, while reaffirming the Sokoto State Government’s commitment to sustained collaboration with the military and other security agencies to consolidate peace and drive economic recovery.

In his welcome address, the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 8 Division and Commander, Sector 2 Joint Task Force North West, Operation FANSAN YAMMA, Major General Ibikunle Ademola Ajose, outlined the scale of operational achievements recorded by troops over the past year.

According to the GOC, Army formations under the Division rescued 1,023 kidnapped victims alive, a feat he said has significantly weakened the business model of bandit groups and restored hope to affected families across the North West.

He further disclosed that troops recovered 189 AK-47 rifles, 4,338 rounds of assorted ammunition, seized 305 motorcycles used for raids, recovered 4,123 rustled livestock, and neutralised several high-profile bandit leaders terrorising rural communities.

Major General Ajose noted that these successes have translated into visible improvements in daily life, with farmers returning to their fields, markets reopening, and major highways witnessing renewed commercial activities after years of fear and disruption.

“The war against banditry and terrorism is being progressively won,” the GOC declared, attributing the gains to the bravery of troops on the frontlines, effective intelligence collaboration, and the strategic leadership of the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu.

He also highlighted deliberate efforts to improve troop welfare, including upgraded medical facilities, better accommodation and enhanced logistics support, stressing that motivated and well-supported soldiers are critical to sustaining operational effectiveness.

The WASA celebration itself underscored unity within the Armed Forces, featuring cultural dances, traditional cuisines from various formations, and a lively tug-of-war contest between Eagle Corps members and the Giginya Cantonment Magajias, which drew cheers from families and guests.

Senior military officers, traditional rulers and other stakeholders at the event described the occasion as a reminder that security operations extend beyond firepower to strengthening civil-military relations and national cohesion.

As the training year closed, the 8 Division reaffirmed its resolve to build on current gains, pledging to intensify operations until banditry is fully dismantled, in line with the Nigerian Army’s mandate to safeguard lives, protect territorial integrity and secure lasting peace across the country.