By Victor Akaa.
The General Officer Commanding (GOC) 1 Division, Nigerian Army, Major General Mayirenso Lander David Saraso, has welcomed Sheikh Muhammed Sulaiman Adam, Chief Imam of Sultan Bello Mosque, to the Division’s Headquarters in Kaduna on Tuesday, 25 February 2025.
According to Lieutenant Colonel Musa Yahaya, the Division’s Acting Deputy Director Army Public Relations, the visit a historic one where the Nigerian Army reinforced its commitment to collaborating with religious leaders in achieving lasting peace and stability in Kaduna State and beyond.
During the visit, Major General Saraso praised Sheikh Adam and his team for their vital role in intelligence gathering and community engagement, emphasizing the importance of religious leaders in promoting peace and guiding youths away from extremism.
He highlighted the successes of non-kinetic approaches in peace-building efforts, which have led to the voluntary surrender of arms by terrorist groups and the release of over 100 kidnapped victims.
Sultan Bello Mosque, one of the largest in Northern Nigeria, with the current capacity to accommodate over 25,000 worshipers has undergone significant expansions since its construction in 1962.
Sheikh Adam, who has led the mosque since 2017, expressed gratitude for the Nigerian Army’s support and called for stronger collaboration between religious leaders and security agencies.
The GOC assured Sheikh Adam of the Nigerian Army’s commitment to ensuring security, particularly during the upcoming Ramadan season.
This assurance underscores the Army’s dedication to protecting all citizens, regardless of their religious affiliations.
The visit concluded with the signing of the visitor’s book, exchange of gifts, and group photographs.
