By Nkechi Eze
The General Officer Commanding (GOC) 1 Division Nigerian Army, Major General Abubakar Sadiq Mohammed Wase, has urged communities in Katsina State to strengthen cooperation with security forces and provide timely intelligence to support ongoing military operations against security threats.
Wase made the call on Tuesday, October 27, 2026, while addressing members of the Dokolo community in Machika, Sabuwa Local Government Area of Katsina State, during an operational assessment visit to the 17 Brigade Area of Responsibility.
According to an official statement signed by the Deputy Director Army Public Relations, Colonel Abubakar Abdullahi, the GOC emphasised that sustained collaboration between local communities and troops was vital to improving operational effectiveness and addressing security challenges.
He urged residents to maintain open communication with security personnel and promptly report suspicious activities to enable troops to respond effectively to emerging threats.
During the visit, Wase also addressed frontline troops, charging them to maintain high standards of professionalism, remain vigilant and sustain operational readiness in the discharge of their duties.
He reaffirmed the commitment of the Army Headquarters and the 1 Division leadership to prioritising troop welfare, operational capability and logistics support to enhance combat efficiency.
Accompanied by the Commander, 17 Brigade, Brigadier General Ishaya Ibrahim, the GOC also visited troops at the Forward Operating Base, Faskari, where he commended them for their resilience, dedication and commitment to duty despite challenging terrain and operational conditions.
Wase praised the troops for maintaining high morale and assured them of the Nigerian Army’s continued efforts to address their administrative and logistical needs.
In a related development, the GOC paid a condolence visit to Dutsinma to convey the sympathies of the Chief of Army Staff to the family and followers of the late Sheikh Yahaya Masussuka, who was recently assassinated.
He appealed to members of the community to remain calm and law-abiding while security agencies intensify investigations to identify and bring those responsible for the killing to justice.
The Army reiterated the importance of community cooperation in supporting security operations and maintaining peace across the Division’s area of responsibility.
