Musa Na Allah, Sokoto
The Nigerian Army on Saturday commissioned the fully renovated Magajin Rafi Model Primary School, Tudun Wada, Sokoto, under the Chief of Army Staff Civil–Military Intervention Project, reinforcing cooperation between the military and host communities across the country.
The project, executed by Major General Aliyu Idris, reflects the Army’s expanding role beyond combat operations to include humanitarian and developmental interventions aimed at restoring public confidence, strengthening education and addressing the social roots of insecurity.
Speaking at the commissioning, the Headmaster of the school, Kabiru Yusuf, described the renovation as a major turning point, noting that the school had for years struggled with dilapidated classrooms and poor learning conditions.
“This intervention has restored dignity to our school and hope to our pupils,” he said, adding that enrolment, attendance and learning enthusiasm had already begun to improve following the upgrade.
Sokoto State Governor, Dr. Ahmed Aliyu, represented by his deputy, Engineer Idris Mohammed, commended the Nigerian Army for redefining civil–military relations through development focused initiatives, stressing that education remains a powerful tool against poverty, crime and extremism.
“The Army has shown that securing lives also means securing the future,” the governor said, noting that the project aligns with the state’s education reform agenda and a broader national vision where security and development advance together.
Representing the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Wahid Shaibu, the General Officer Commanding 8 Division Nigerian Army and Commander, Sector 2 Joint Task Force North-West, Operation Fansan Yamma, Major General Bemgba Koughna, said the initiative reflects the Army’s evolving doctrine of people centred security.
“The strength of the Nigerian Army lies not only in firepower, but in the trust and cooperation of the people,” he said, explaining that civil–military projects are designed to give back to communities and tackle insecurity through sustainable development.
Major General Aliyu Idris, the project executor, said the renovation was carried out in line with the Chief of Army Staff’s directive for commanders to leave lasting legacies in their areas of responsibility.
“This is about people, not publicity.
“A secure nation is built on educated minds, and the Nigerian Army remains committed to partnering communities for national progress,” he stated.
The Sultan of Sokoto, His Eminence Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III, represented by the Wazirin Sokoto, Professor Sambo Wali Junaidu, described the project as a noble service to humanity and called for sustained collaboration between security agencies, traditional institutions and government.
“When the military touches lives positively, it strengthens unity and mutual respect,” he said, adding that education remains the foundation of peace and national cohesion.
The Chairman of Sokoto South Local Government Area, Hon. Ya’u Mohammed Danda, represented by his deputy, praised the Army for intervening at the grassroots, noting that the project would ease the burden on parents and improve learning outcomes.
In an emotional highlight, pupils presented a goodwill message and an appreciation plaque to Major General Idris, thanking the Nigerian Army for providing a learning environment “we are proud to learn in,” drawing applause from parents and community leaders.
The renovated school now boasts improved classrooms, furniture and learning facilities designed to provide a safe and conducive environment for teaching and learning.
As the national anthem echoed across the school compound, the commissioning underscored a broader national message: that enduring peace and security are built not only through force, but through compassion, partnership and shared investment in Nigeria’s future.
