9 Brigade Nigerian Army Celebrates Its West African Social Activities In A Colourful Way

The Commander 9 Brigade Nigerian Army, Brig Gen AM Adetuyi, has assured that 9 Brigade will continue to perform its constitutional role with required tenacity by supporting constituted authority to ensure the security and safety of all law-abiding citizens while dealing appropriately with criminal elements within its Area of Responsibility (AOR).

Brig Gen Adetuyi made this statement at the West African Social Activities (WASA) event held at the 9 Brigade Garrison Parade Ground Ikeja Cantonment on 10 February 2024.

He added that 9 Brigade has indeed lived up to its slogan as the “Fit to Fight” Brigade in the Year 2023, through the hard work and commitments of officers and soldiers of the Brigade, as evident in various successfully conducted operations and exercises, geared towards giving necessary support to constituted authority, in order to maintain peace and security.

Brig Gen Adetuyi mentioned some of the achievements of the Brigade in the Year 2023 which include the recently concluded Exercise Still Waters III, Operation AWATSE, Operation IRON FENCE and Operation MESA all within the Brigade’s Area of Responsibility, covering Lagos and parts of Ogun States. He also referred to Operation CLEAN SWEEP, which was flagged of by the Chief of Army Staff, Lt Gen TA Lagbaja, in Ikeja Cantonment in the last quarter of 2023 to finally clear the Cantonment of the remaining unexploded ordnances resulting from the 2002 bomb explosion, as well as other various operations conducted by the Battalions under the Brigade.

This was contained in a statement by the spokesperson of the Brigade, Major Kolawole Bello on Lagos.

Brig Gen Adetuyi described WASA as an age long tradition practised in the Nigerian Army, which provides avenue for personnel, families, friends, and the host communities to close ranks and socialize in a relaxed environment, while displaying the rich and diverse cultural heritage of our dear nation. It also provides a platform to honour personnel that distinguished themselves in various categories in the past year.

The Special Guest of Honour at the event, the Governor of Lagos State, Mr Babajide Olushola Sanwo-Olu, who was ably represented by the Chief of Staff to the Governor, Mr Tayo Akinmade Ayinde, in his remarks expressed excitement about the WASA celebration that has been sustained by the Nigerian Army.

Mr Tayo Ayinde acknowledged the ongoing efforts of the Nigerian Army in curbing various security challenges bedevilling the country. He further commended the efforts of the Army in tackling terrorism, banditry, kidnapping, cattle rustling, and ethno- religious crises, among others in the country.

He further commended the officers and soldiers of 9 Brigade for their sacrificial contributions in the maintenance of peace and security in Lagos State. He pledged that the State shall continue to support and collaborate with the Brigade in all its operational activities in the State.

Present at the historic event are the Lagos State Honourable Commissioner for Special Duties and Intergovernmental Relations, Hon Gbenga Oyerinde, Maj Gen Olu Bajowa (retd), Maj Gen SO Olabanji (retd), Air Vice Marshal AY Abdullahi, Air Officer Commanding Logistics Command of the Nigerian Airforce, representative of the Flag Officer Commanding Western Naval Command, and various heads of security and paramilitary agencies in within Lagos State, as well as eminent Royal Fathers in Lagos State, including the Ayangburen of Ikorodu and Onikate of Ikate Surulere, and other esteemed dignitaries.

Highlights of the event include the Tour of Unit/Sub-unit Stands by the Special Guest of Honour and other dignitaries, magnificent cultural displays from different tribes in Nigeria, tug of war competition and presentation of awards to merited soldiers. Others include the presentation of souvenirs to invited guests, and vote of thanks by the Co-chairman Organizing Committee, Lt Col MO Yusuf.

Importantly, there was observance of the regimental Beating of Retreat and lighting of the Bonfire. The event ended with group photographs with the Special Guest of Honour and other dignitaries.