Maj.-Gen. Olurotimi Azubuike-Awolo, Commandant of the Army 4 Special Forces, Doma Local Government Area (LGA), Nasarawa State, has pledged to strengthen collaboration with other security agencies to enhance peace in the North-Central States.
The Commandant stated this at an event to commemorate the 2025 West African Social Activities (WASA) of the Army at the headquarters of the command in Doma LGA, Nasarawa State.
Maj.-Gen. Azubuike-Awolo emphasised that the Army is committed to working with other security agencies to tackle terrorism, banditry, kidnapping and other security challenges in the region.
He emphasised the importance of inter-agency collaboration in addressing security challenges, stating that the Army alone cannot tackle the complex security issues in the region, underscoring the need for collaboration with other agencies.
He noted that the collaboration would enable them to leverage on each other’s strengths to enhance intelligence gathering, launch offensive attacks on the criminals with a view to promoting and sustaining peace and stability in the region and the country.
“This has aligned with the philosophy of the Chief of Army Staff, Maj -Gen. Waidi Shaibu to advance the transformation of the Nigerian Army into a more professional, adaptable, combat-ready and resilient force capable of decisively discharging its constitutional responsibility within a joint and multi-agency environment.
“It is remarkable to note that the command and the ancillary, Operation WHIRL STROKE, had an eventful year in 2025. It is also gratifying to state that we, completed all training schedules as reflected in the Army Headquarters Forecast of Events for the year, notwithstanding some glaring challenges within the period.
“The troops exhibited a high standard of professionalism during training exercises and corresponding operational activities within the Command area of responsibility.
“These are in addition to other covert and overt inter-agency collaborative operations carried out under Operation WHIRL STROKE and within other formations and units the 4 Special Command is supporting in all theatres of operation across the country, which is highly commendable.
“We have made remarkable improvements in our operational and administrative performances, especially in the areas bordering on training and other requisite interventions that boosted troops’ fighting morale.,” he added.
Speaking on the essence of the WASA annual event, the Commandant said it was an age-long tradition in the Nigerian Army, traceable to the pre-independence period, where the Army usually organised to enable officers, soldiers, their families and civilian friends to interact and merry in a conducive atmosphere.
He noted that WASA was aimed at promoting comradeship, deepening esprit de corps and strengthening unity among personnel of the Nigerian Army, their families and other members of society.
He added that the event also enabled personnel to celebrate the diverse cultural heritage in the country, and officers, soldiers, and their families relate in a relaxed atmosphere, as well as showcase different dishes and attire.
Also, speaking at the event, Gov. Abdullahi Sule of Nasarawa State appreciated the military and other security agencies for their efforts toward maintaining law and order as well as ensuring peace in the state and beyond.
The governor represented by Usman Baba, Commissioner for Security and Soundry Matters, promised to continue to support the security agencies with operational vehicles and other logistics to ensure their smooth operation.
He attributed the relative peace in the state to the relentless efforts of the Nigerian Army and other security agencies and promised to continue to collaborate with them to ensure that the state remains peaceful.
“Though we still experience occasional incursions of the miscreants in some rural areas orchestrated by bandits, cattle rustlers and other criminal elements, but with all hands on deck, all the challenges will be surmounted,” Sule added.
The highlight of the event was a display of cultural dances by different cultural groups,, a tug-of-war contest, lighting of of bonfire and the presentation of awards to personnel who had distinguished themselves. (NAN).