The Executive Governor of Yobe State Honoursble Mai Mala Buni has disclosed that “I am bold to say that the Nigerian Army has evidently recorded tremendous successes in the ongoing war against insurgency in Yobe State.” The Governor made the statement on Saturday 4th February 2023 during Headquarters Sector Operation Hadin Kai (OPHK) West African Social Activities held at the August 27 Stadium in Damaturu, Yobe State capital.
Governor Buni further called for continuous review of the strategy to outdo and overcome the marauding insurgents whose tactics and strategy are continually changing. He stressed on the need to counter the emerging security challenges that are trying to replace insurgency such as kidnapping and criminal extortion of innocent citizens in the State. He also assured that the Yobe State Government remains a partner in progress with the Sector in the ongoing counter insurgency effort through information sharing, intelligence gathering and other forms of operationally expedient supports.
Governor Buni who was represented by the Special Adviser on Security Affairs Brigadier General Dahiru Abdulsalam (Rtd) further thank the Commander Sector 2 OPHK and by extension, the Chief of Army Staff Lieutenant General Faruk Yahaya for his exemplary leadership in tackling the various challenges confronting the Nation and Yobe State in particular. He acknowledged the Nigerian Army Quick Impact Project in Gulani Local Government Area of the State. A good gesture that restores hope and confidence, he said.
Earlier in his welcome address, the Commander Sector 2 Joint Task Force North East Operation Hadin Kai Major General Lander Saraso stated that the West African Social Activities (WASA) is an annual event meant to strengthen social relationships among officers, soldiers and their families, as well as their friends through cultural displays, musical performances and other regimental activities. He also added that it is an event that is usually organised to mark the end of tedious and eventful training or operational year and heralds the beginning of another new year.
General Saraso further said the event was conceived to create an atmosphere for Officers and Men of the Sector to meet together outside the trenches of the ongoing operations in order to wine, dine and make merry. He disclosed that the Sector under his command will continue to be committed and responsive in discharging Constitutional roles in line with the vision of the Chief of Army Staff Lieutenant General Faruk Yahaya; which is to have a “Professional Nigerian Army ready to accomplish assigned missions within a joint environment in defence of Nigeria”. He extended his profound gratitude to the Executive Governor of Yobe State Honourable Mai Mala Buni for his continuous support. He also thanked the good people of Yobe State for their unflinching support.
The event was indeed colourful as it witnessed various cultural dance displays, musical performances, comedies, tug of war Competition, presentation of souvenirs, Beating of Retreat and Lighting of Bonfire WASA by the Special Guest of Honour. The event was also well attended as it drew participants from all Security Agencies in the State, Members of the Traditional Council, International NGOs, Captains of Industries, Directors and Managers of Public and Corporate Organizations, Members of the National Youth Services Corps as well as Members of the Press.
It is worthy to mention that the Commander Sector 2 OPHK Major General Lander Saraso had earlier on assuming command, immediately commenced familiarization visits to various Security Agencies in Yobe State which included the Nigerian Police, Department of State Services, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Nigerian Correctional Service, Hunters Group and the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency where he was decorated as War Against Drug Abuse Ambassador by the Assistant Commandant General of Narcotics Alhaji Yahaya Omba Aliyu.
Source: Captain Kennedy Anyanwu, Assistant Director Army Public Relations, Headquarters Sector 2, Operation Hadin Kai