Maj.-Gen. Obinna Onubogu, General Officer Commanding (GOC) 2 Div., Nigerian Army, Ibadan, has charged officers and soldiers to kept miscrants and criminals at bay for peace to reign in the country.
Onubogu made the charge on Saturday during the 2024 West African Social Activities (WASA) held at 32 Artillery Brigade, Owena Cantonment, Akure.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that WASA was an annual social activity in the Nigerian Army to mark the end of a successful training year and the beginning of a new training cycle.
NAN reports that the event was also a platform for officers, soldiers, family and friends of the brigade to come together and interact in a relaxed and conducive atmosphere.
The GOC, a special guest of honor at the event, said that WASA had become a tradition in the Nigerian Army.
He commended the 32 brigade for their efforts of ensuring peaceful coexistence with their host communities and the general populace, which boosted public confidence.
According to him, the 2024 training cycle ended successfully on a high note with unprecedented success in the area of curbing criminals activities in the brigade, particularly during the yuletide.
“We are grateful to the commander of the 32 brigade, officers and soldiers of the brigade for ensuring the safety of lives and properties of peace loving people of Ondo and Ekiti States.
“Let me thank the troops again, as Ondo and Ekiti States remain very secure.
“We want you to continue to brace up and ensure that this 2025, all miscreants, criminals and anyone who wants to destroy the peace of the states are kept at bay,” he said.
Onubogu also thanked the government of Ondo and Ekiti States, the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), anf particularly, President Bola Tinubu for his continued support to the Nigerian Army.
He promised not to relent in the division’s path to secure the country.
Earlier, Maj.-Gen. John Lar, Commander, 32 Brigade, called on government, religious and traditional rulers to continue to support the Nigerian Army in the fight against criminals in the country.
Lar, who explained that the event would have taken place in Dec. 2024, said no single security agency could operate alone in tackling the contemporary security challenges in the country.
According to him, a societal approach must be inculcated in all our endeavors.
“We need more than ever, inter-agency collaboration as well as the support of states and local governments, communities, as well as religious and traditional leaders, amongst others to secure our dear country.
“Therefore, I enjoin all security agencies and other stakeholders to synergise in order to achieve a safe and secure 2025.
“To my gallant officers and soldiers of the 32 Artillery Brigade, I say well done for your professional conduct throughout 2024.
“Do not rest on your oars as we strive to make 2025 even more successful.
“I believe that the troops of the 32 artillery brigade will continue to discharge their responsibilities in line with the COAS vision,” Lar said.
He, therefore, vowed to consolidate on the gains already established in 2024 to provide a secure environment to enable social and economic activities thrive in the two states.
NAN reports that the highlights of the event include bonfire, display of cultural dances by different ethnics, tug of war competition, rewards for outstanding personnel, among others