SOLDIERS OF 32 ARTILLERY BRIGADE AKURE CLEAN UP ONDO ROAD IN SANITATION DRIVE

Residents and traders along Ondo Road in Akure were treated to an unusual sight on Saturday as soldiers from the 32 Artillery Brigade, Akure, took over the streets — not for security operations, but to clean up the environment.

Armed with rakes, shovels, brooms, and wheelbarrows instead of rifles, the troops carried out a massive environmental sanitation exercise along the popular Ondo Road in the Ondo State capital.

In a colourful twist, the soldiers were accompanied by the brigade’s military band and trumpeters, whose special renditions added glamour and vibrancy to the activity. Their coordinated musical performance drew applause from passersby and gave the sanitation exercise a festive atmosphere.

The clean-up operation, which kicked off early in the morning, involved the clearing of gutters, sweeping of walkways, and removal of refuse from medians and drainage channels. The exercise was part of the Nigerian Army’s Civil-Military Cooperation (CIMIC) initiative aimed at strengthening military-civilian relations and promoting public health.

Speaking during the exercise, a senior officer told RootedScope Media that the intervention was not just about cleaning the streets but also a message to the public on the importance of hygiene and community responsibility.

“We are not only trained to defend the territorial integrity of Nigeria, but also to contribute meaningfully to the well-being of the civil population. Environmental hygiene is critical to disease prevention, and we want to demonstrate that a clean environment is everyone’s responsibility,” the officer stated.

He further noted that the initiative is in line with the Nigerian Army’s directive to engage in community development activities, especially during the rainy season when the risk of flooding and disease outbreaks increases.

Residents and business owners welcomed the gesture, hailing the soldiers for leading by example. Some even joined the clean-up, while others stood by watching in admiration.

“This is impressive. It’s not every day we see our soldiers doing this kind of work. Their presence here means they care about our environment and our health,” said Mrs. Kemi Alade, a trader along the route.

The 32 Artillery Brigade has in recent times stepped up community engagement activities as part of broader efforts by the Nigerian Army to bridge the civil-military gap and build public trust.