WASA 2025: Nigerian Army’s 12 Brigade Showcases Operational Successes, Cultural Heritage
By Stephen Adeleye
Lokoja, Jan. 18, 2025
The 12 Brigade, Nigerian Army’s West African Social Activities (WASA) 2025 celebration, has showcased the institution’s operational successes and cultural heritage.
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The event featured awards, cultural performances, and a demonstration of the army’s commitment to security and unity.
In his welcome address on Saturday at Chari Maigumeri Barracks Lokoja, the Brigade Commander, Brigadier General Kasim Umar Sidi, assured Kogi State of the army’s commitment to maintaining peace and security, emphasising the need for citizens to support security agencies in tackling insecurity.
The Commander described WASA as a significant occasion that brought together officers, soldiers, families, and friends to celebrate shared identity, cultural heritage, and collective achievements.
He emphasised the importance of WASA in showcasing the Nigerian Army’s diversity and unity.
He praised the dedication, discipline, and professionalism of officers and soldiers, highlighting the Brigade’s achievements in 2025, including successful military operations against bandits and kidnappers in Kogi.
The commander expressed appreciation for the support of Gov. Ahmed Ododo, and the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. -Gen Waidi Shaibu, for their leadership and commitment to the Nigerian Army’s welfare and effectiveness.
The Special Guest of Honour, Gov. Ahmed Ododo, commended the Nigerian Army for sustaining the WASA tradition, describing it as a vital platform for promoting unity and camaraderie among troops and their families.
Ododo noted that WASA promotes unity, camaraderie, and cultural heritage among troops and families.
Represented by the State Security Adviser Cdr Jerry Omodara rtd, the governor reaffirmed his Administration’s commitment to supporting Nigerian Army and security agencies.
He praised the Brigade’s efforts in maintaining peace and security in Kogi, and called for continued focus and resilience in discharging constitutional responsibilities.
Omodara, while addressing newsmen after the event, commended the 12 Brigade for their achievements, saying they have recorded significant success through recent clearance operations in the state.
He reassured that the Kogi Government would continue to support security agencies to ensure safety for all.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that event recognised the outstanding service of personnel, including those deployed in various locations within Kogi State.
The governor also rewarded the wives of fallen heroes in the brigade, donating N9 million to nine of them.
The WASA 2025 featured colorful displays and entertainment, promoting unity and celebration among attendees.
It featured the presentation of souvenirs to the Special Guest of Honour and dignitaries, as well as cultural displays by various ethnic groups, including Hausa, Igbo, Okun, Igala, Ebira, Fulani, Langtang, Zuru, and Nupe, among others.
Awards for excellent performance were presented to the best soldiers in their various field who distinguished themselves in 2025.
The event also included a tug-of-war competition among women soldiers, barracks women, police women, and Civil Defense women, with the barracks women emerging as overall winners.
End
(DEMOCRACY NEWSLINE NEWSPAPER, JANUARY 18TH 2026)
