New GOC 1 Division Meets Journalists, Assures Conducive Working Relationship
The new General Officer Commanding 1 Division, Nigerian Army, Major General Abubakar Sadiq Mohammed Wase has assured that the Division would conduct responsible operations to restore peace to areas under his responsibility.
The GOC also pledged to work closely with the media and all stakeholders to strengthen support for troops deployed for operations against bandits and terrorists in the North West and contiguous areas under his command.
Major General Wase made the commitment when he met with members of the Kaduna State Chapter of the Defence Corresponnts Association, on Tuesday in his office.
The journalists were led by the Chairman of the state council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Abdulgafar Alabelewe.
The GOC urged the media to report issues of security responsibly and always seek for clarification before publishing in the interest of the peace and stability of the country.
Wase appreciated the defence correspondents for working seamlessly with the Division and assured them of his cooperation and support in the discharge of their duties.
“Sometimes, the some members of the fourth estate of the realm are eager to publish stories without confirming the true nature of it, I will ask you to please confirm before you publish your stories.
“I will state that we at the 1 Division, will do everything within our power to operate within our standard operating procedure, which is guided by the Armed Forces Act and the Nigerian Constitution.”
Wase said since his assumption of office a month ago, he has toured all areas under his responsibility to assess the work of troops in various commands and units, “and so far so good”.
The GOC emphasized his determination to build on the efforts of his predecessors to restore peace and enhance the welfare of troops.
He said welfare of officers and soldiers is one of the core pillars of the Chief of Army Staff, and will be pursued diligently.
Earlier, the Kaduna State NUJ chairman said that the visit was to welcome the new GOC and assure him of the support of Journalists operating in the state.
He noted the improvement of welfare of soldiers since Wase’s assumption of duty, especially the provision of buses for personnel working outside the Division headquarters.
Alabelewe said the union has had cordial working relationship with 1 Division over the years and expressed confidence that it would continue under the new GOC.
