WASA 2025: Army Records Major Gains as Banditry Declines in Zamfara

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By Aminu Dalhatu

 

The Nigerian Army says it has recorded significant progress in its fight against banditry in Zamfara State, with criminal activities reduced to the barest minimum in many communities and along major highways.

 

The Commander of 1 Brigade, Nigerian Army, Gusau, Brigadier General Mustapha Jimmoh, disclosed this shortly after the 1 Brigade Combined West African Social Activities (WASA) 2025 held at the Nigerian Army Cantonment in Gusau.

 

Brigadier General Jimmoh said troops have continued to gain the upper hand against bandits, noting that the Funtua–Gusau–Sokoto highway is now safer and fully motorable for commuters. He added that although banditry has been drastically curtailed across the state, military operations are ongoing to ensure lasting peace.

 

The Brigade Commander called on residents to sustain their support for the Nigerian Army and other security agencies by providing timely and credible intelligence, stressing that community cooperation is vital to eliminating criminal elements.

 

He described WASA as a long-standing tradition of the Nigerian Army aimed at fostering unity, boosting morale, and preserving the cultural heritage of officers and soldiers. According to him, the 2025 celebration also provided an opportunity to honour personnel who distinguished themselves through discipline, punctuality, and outstanding operational performance.

 

In his remarks, the Zamfara State Commissioner for Works, Barau Bungudu, who represented Governor Dauda Lawal, expressed satisfaction with the successful hosting of WASA 2025. He commended the officers and soldiers of 1 Brigade for their discipline and professionalism.

 

The commissioner praised the Nigerian Army under Operation FANSAN YAMMA for its sacrifices in restoring peace and security in the state and reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to continued collaboration with the military and other security agencies.

 

The event attracted several dignitaries, including senior military officers, traditional rulers, heads of sister security agencies, members of academia, and other stakeholders.