By Endurance Enemona Samuel
The Bureau News | Nigeria News Today
Minna, Niger State | January 17, 2025
The Nigerian Army has reaffirmed its commitment to professionalism and respect for human rights in all its security operations across Niger State.
The Commander, Training and Doctrine Command (TRADOC), Major General Peter Malla, gave the assurance while speaking at the 2025 West African Social Activities (WASA), jointly organised by TRADOC and the 31 Artillery Brigade at the Minna Military Cantonment parade ground.
“Officers and men of TRADOC and the 31 Artillery Brigade will continue to carry out their operations with a high sense of professionalism while upholding human rights and securing lives and property,” Major General Malla said.
The annual WASA event brought together officers, soldiers, and their families in a colourful celebration marking the end of the 2025 training and operational year.
The 31 Artillery Brigade Parade Ground came alive with cultural displays, traditional music, and activities reflecting unity and camaraderie within the military community.
WASA, a long-standing tradition of the Nigerian Army, serves as a platform for relaxation, bonding, and cultural integration after months of intensive training and security operations.
Speaking further, Major General Malla described the 2025 operational year as successful, noting that troops were able to carry out assigned duties professionally with the cooperation and support of host communities.
He stressed that the relationship between the military and civilians remains critical to achieving lasting peace and security.
For the Niger State Government, sustaining the WASA tradition was described as a morale booster for troops and an important avenue for strengthening civil-military relations.
The event featured various cultural performances, a tug-of-war contest, presentation of awards to outstanding personnel, and symbolic activities promoting unity within the barracks community.
The ceremony also included the traditional beating of the retreat, marking the formal close of the 2025 training and operational year.
The Bureau News reports that the Nigerian Army continues to emphasise professionalism, discipline, and respect for human rights as core principles guiding its internal security operations nationwide.
