Colonel Abubakar Mohammed, Commander of the 301 Artillery Regiment General Support, Gombe, has called for greater collaboration between the military and civilians to enhance security and protect lives and property in the state.
Mohammed made this appeal on Saturday during the 2024 West African Social Activities celebration at the old barracks in Gombe State.
WASA is an annual military tradition that allows officers and their families to unwind through various cultural displays, including tug-of-war contests, ethnic troupe performances, and dances by children from the barracks.
Mohammed stated that local cooperation is essential to the army’s ability to keep the peace and that the 301 Artillery Regiment General Support is in charge of internal security operations in Gombe State as well as supporting Operation Hadin Kai and Operation Safe Haven across border areas in Yobe, Adamawa, Taraba, and Bauchi states.
“The strength of the military is not only in the barrel of the weapon but in the cooperation of the host community. We urge residents to continue to support us through prayers and collaboration. The people of Gombe have been very accommodating and welcoming,” Mohammed said.
The commander noted that the peaceful atmosphere in Gombe, compared to other North-East states, is a result of the strong synergy between security agencies and the local population.
“You will agree with me that in the entire North-East, Gombe remains one of the most peaceful states. This is due to the cooperation we have with the host community, as evident in today’s event. The turnout of security agencies here also reflects the cordial relationship we share. The Gombe model is something other states should learn from,” he added.
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Also speaking at the event, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Hara Foam, Emmanuel Ugwu, commended the army for recognising and celebrating its officers through WASA.
“WASA has long been a tradition in the Nigerian Army, and it serves as a platform for fostering military-civilian interactions. It also provides an opportunity to reward and motivate gallant soldiers,” he said.
Ugwu urged other security agencies to adopt similar initiatives, emphasising that recognition and encouragement boost morale and inspire personnel to put in more effort.
“Security is a collective responsibility. When people are encouraged for their efforts, they tend to do more. We appeal to sister security agencies to embrace this model as well,” he added.
