The Commanding Officer (Rear) of 1 Battalion, Nigerian Army, Birnin-Kebbi, Kebbi State, Major Patrick A. Azubuine, has charged officers, soldiers, and their families to be security conscious at all times, given the spate of banditry ravaging the areas of operation of 1 Battalion.
The Commanding Officer (Rear) made this charge during the annual day celebrations of the West African Social Activities (WASA) in Birnin-Kebbi over the weekend.
Major Azubuine, who traced the history of WASA to the pre-colonial era, stated that WASA is a long-standing tradition in the Nigerian Army, dating back to the pre-independence period. He emphasized that the tradition is an integral part of the Nigerian Army’s ethics and ethos, usually organized to enable officers, soldiers, their families, and civilian friends to interact and celebrate in a conducive atmosphere.
According to him, WASA further promotes comradeship, deepens esprit de corps, and strengthens unity among personnel. He added that the event is typically organized to mark the end of the year’s training activities and to usher in the next year’s programs.
“It is remarkable to note that 1 Battalion (Rear) had an eventful year in 2024. We appraise with joy our achievements, having completed all training schedules as reflected in the Army Headquarters’ Forecast of Events, despite some glaring challenges.”
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“The successes we achieved this year were made possible through dedication to service and personal commitment in executing all assigned tasks. We recorded remarkable improvements in our performance in the areas of training program implementation, troops’ welfare, and securing our area of responsibility.”
Major Azubuine explained that these significant feats were achieved through collective efforts and dedication to duty. He added that troops’ welfare and infrastructural development within Dukku Barracks also received the necessary attention, resulting in remarkable successes.
“Prominent among these achievements is the improvement of our water source through the introduction of a solar-powered system, the establishment of sensitive operational deployments, and the repair of numerous operational vehicles to enhance the combat efficiency of the unit amidst rising insecurity in the region and the country as a whole.”
He further explained that the achievements also include efforts to successfully enlist a reasonable number of qualified young adults within the barracks community in this year’s Army recruitment exercise, aiming to dissuade them from idleness and related crimes.
“With these achievements so far, we remain eternally grateful to the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt Gen Olufemi Oluyede, who has remained committed to improving the well-being of troops and their families, enabling them to discharge their constitutional duties effectively.”
“I wish to state clearly that my next line of action as the Commanding Officer (Rear) is to consolidate the successes recorded and continue improving our services to the Battalion, the good people of Kebbi State, and Nigeria as a whole.”
“I want to use this medium to appreciate the President and Commander-in-Chief, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, and the Chief of Army Staff, Lt Gen Olufemi Oluyede, for their tremendous support in ensuring improved working conditions and troops’ welfare. It is my humble assurance that we shall continue to align with the COAS’ command philosophy—
‘To consolidate the transformation of the Nigerian Army towards a well-motivated and combat-ready force that can effectively discharge its constitutional responsibilities within a joint and multi-agency environment.’”
He further stated that last year witnessed several operational and administrative visits within the Battalion’s area of operational responsibility. According to him, the essence of these visits was to build the necessary synergy among other security agencies, assess troops’ welfare and conduct, oversee deployments, and interact with the troops to ensure strict adherence to operational directives.
“Additionally, I emphasize that we shall continue to fulfill our responsibilities while confronting contemporary security challenges facing our dear country, especially terrorism, banditry, and kidnapping.”
“I want to use this medium to express our profound appreciation to His Excellency, the Executive Governor of Kebbi State, Comrade Dr. Nasir Idris (Kauran Gwandu); the respected elders of Kebbi State, under the chairmanship of HRH the Emir of Gwandu, Maj Gen Ilyasu Bashir (rtd), mni; and the good people of Kebbi State for their understanding and support to the Battalion.”
