Nigerian Army buries loyal mascot, Sgt. Akawala, in Kaduna

The 1 Division of the Nigerian Army held a solemn regimental funeral on Saturday to honour its mascot, Sgt. Dalet Akawala, who was laid to rest at the division’s headquarters in Kawo, Kaduna.

The acting Deputy Director of Army Public Relations for the division, Lt.-Col. Musa Yahaya, confirmed this in a statement issued on Sunday.

Presiding over the ceremony was Col. I.A. Akabike, Deputy Chief of Staff for Administration, who represented Maj.-Gen. Mayirenso Saraso, the General Officer Commanding (GOC) of the division and Commander of Sector 1, Operation FANSAN YAMMA.

Saraso, in his message, described the late mascot as a symbol of courage and resilience, highlighting its role in upholding the division’s rich traditions. “The ceremony is our way of paying the last respect to a companion who brought pride and identity to the Division,” he said.

He also extended his condolences to the “Stallion family” and the Nigerian Army while expressing appreciation to the dignitaries and sympathizers present at the event.

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Lt.-Col. Yahaya explained that prayers were offered for a diligent and dedicated replacement for Sgt. Akawala. During the funeral oration, the late mascot was identified as the descendant of the division’s first mascot, Sgt. Farin Doki, who served from 1995 until its death in 2011.

Following the passing of Sgt. Farin Doki, a new mascot, Sgt. Danfari Akawala, took on the role until its death in 2014. Sgt. Dalet Akawala, the offspring of Sgt. Danfari, succeeded as the division’s mascot in 2015 and faithfully served until its demise on Friday.

The service concluded with prayers led by Lt.-Col. Ugwu, the acting Deputy Director of Chaplain Services (Protestant), and was attended by senior officers, soldiers, and their families.