The General Officer Commanding (GOC), 1 Division Nigerian Army, Kaduna, Major General Abubakar Sadiq Mohammed Wase, has paid a condolence visit to Niger State Governor, Mohammed Umaru Bago, following the tragic death of 37 artisanal miners in the state. The visit was a gesture of sympathy from the 1 Division and the Nigerian Army to the governor, families of the victims, and the people of Niger State. Wase expressed hope that such a tragedy would not occur again and conveyed the Army's condolences to those affected.
During the visit, Wase informed the governor that Nigerian Army formations in Niger State would be transferred to the newly established 9 Division, effective September 30. This move is part of the reorganisation of the Army's operational structure, which was approved by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. The restructuring expanded the Nigerian Army's divisional structure from eight to 12 divisions. The newly established 9 Division, headquartered in Ilorin, is expected to cover Kwara and Niger states.
The GOC thanked Governor Bago for the support his administration had extended to 1 Division and the Nigerian Army, assuring the governor of continued cooperation. He acknowledged the governor's efforts in maintaining a good relationship with the Army and expressed appreciation for the opportunity to condole him. The visit was seen as a significant gesture of solidarity from the Nigerian Army to the state government.
Responding to Wase's condolence visit, Governor Bago thanked him for the expression of solidarity, saying the gesture had strengthened the state government's resolve to establish the circumstances surrounding the deaths. The governor appreciated President Tinubu for approving the creation of additional Army divisions as part of efforts to strengthen Nigeria's security architecture. He commended Wase for his leadership of 1 Division and praised officers and soldiers serving in Niger State for their efforts in tackling security challenges.
Governor Bago assured Major General Wase that the Niger State Government would continue to collaborate with the Nigerian Army and other security agencies to improve security across the state. He acknowledged the Army's efforts in maintaining peace and stability in the state and expressed confidence in their ability to address emerging security challenges. The governor's assurance was seen as a reaffirmation of the state government's commitment to security.
The visit was disclosed in a statement issued on September 28, 2026, by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Bologi Ibrahim. The statement provided details of the visit and the discussions between the GOC and the governor. It highlighted the Nigerian Army's commitment to supporting the state government in addressing security challenges.
The condolence visit and the announcement of the transfer of Army formations to the 9 Division are seen as significant developments in the state's efforts to address security challenges. The creation of additional Army divisions is expected to enhance the country's security architecture and provide more support to state governments in addressing emerging security challenges. The Nigerian Army's efforts to strengthen its operational structure are ongoing.
Key points
- - The GOC, 1 Division Nigerian Army, Major General Abubakar Sadiq Mohammed Wase, paid a condolence visit to Niger State Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago over the death of 37 artisanal miners. - The Nigerian Army formations in Niger State will be transferred to the newly established 9 Division, effective September 30. - The creation of additional Army divisions is part of efforts to strengthen Nigeria's security architecture.
