By Sani Gazas Chinade, Damaturu
The Yobe State Government has commended officers and soldiers of 241 Recce Model Battalion for professionalism and effective operations in sustaining security across the state.
The commendation was made by Brig-Gen. Dahiru Abdussalam (rtd), who is the Special Adviser to Gov. Mai Mala Buni on Security Matters, at the 2025 West African Social Activities (WASA) held at the Nguru Military Barracks.
Abdussalam, who was the Senior General Officer Hosting (SGOH) at the event, praised the Battalion’s commitment to constitutional duties and collaboration with other security agencies under Joint Task Force (North East), code-named Operation HADIN KAI.
He said the synergy had ensured that all local government areas under the Battalion’s responsibility remained safe from Boko Haram terrorist activities.
The special adviser also commended strangulation operations along the Kano–Nguru–Gashua Road, describing them as strategic in curbing criminal movements and enhancing public safety.
He further lauded sustained efforts to address farmer–herder clashes, cattle rustling, armed banditry and other social vices within the Battalion’s area of responsibility.
According to him, the gallantry and courage displayed by the troops have contributed significantly to improved security in Yobe State and its environs.
Earlier in his opening remarks, the Commanding Officer, 241 Recce Model Battalion, Col. A.T. Adeuti, welcomed officers, soldiers, families and guests to the Year 2025 WASA.
Adeuti described WASA as a historic Nigerian Army tradition that provides opportunity for personnel and their families to unwind, foster unity and showcase cultural heritage.
He traced the origin of WASA to the era of the West African Frontier Force, when colonial authorities set aside a day for West African troops to celebrate their diverse cultures.
Adeuti said the tradition was retained after independence and adopted as a regimental activity of the Nigerian Army to strengthen cohesion with host communities.
He stressed that the Nigerian Army, under the leadership of the Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Waidi Shaibu, continued to support WASA across formations despite ongoing operational commitments.
The commanding officer said he assumed command of the Battalion on June 5, 2025, and had since made deliberate efforts to enhance operational effectiveness.
According to him, the Battalion operates in support of 1 Division, Kaduna, and being administered by 3 Brigade, Kano, and is operationally responsible to 27 Task Force Brigade, Buni Gari, for Operation HADIN KAI.
Adeuti said the unit’s area of responsibility covered Karasuwa, Machina, Nguru and Yusufari Local Government Areas of Yobe State.
Forward operating bases, he continued, were maintained at Jajimaji, Machina and Nguru, with frequent patrols conducted in Yusufari.
The commanding officer also pointed out that the Battalion had sustained dominance in its area of responsibility, ensuring all four Local Government areas under it, remained free of Boko Haram terrorist activities.
He added that surveillance along the Kano–Nguru–Gashua Road had led to arrest of suspects, logistics suppliers and collaborators, who were processed through Sector 2 headquarters in Damaturu.
Adeuti said the Battalion also served as the permanent Nigerian Army recruitment centre for Yobe State.
He said the unit had hosted the 89 and 90 Regular Recruit Intake, noting that the 89 intake completed training in November 2025, while the 90 intake is currently undergoing training.
According to him, the Battalion, being a model unit, conducted post-basic leadership and regimentation training for newly commissioned officers under Exercise Competent Officer.
Adeuti revealed that the unit had recorded improvements in training and infrastructure, and had empowered 30 widows and barracks women under the Barracks Women Empowerment Scheme, launched on Dec. 4, 2025.
The event was attended by senior military officers, royal fathers, heads of sister security agencies, representatives of the Nigerian Army Officers’ Wives Association (NAOWA), soldiers’ families and members of the press.
