‘Sgt. Farin Doki was a soldier unlike any other’ …dead horse was a symbol of Army 1 Division – Gen. Shoboiki
The day was Thursday, September 22, 2011. The ceremony was the burial of Sergeant Farin Doki, literally translated from Hausa, meaning ‘white horse’. The venue was 1 Division Headquarters of the Nigerian Army, where dignitaries, both military and civilians, assembled to mourn the demise of the 1 Division’s famous mascot. Though some invited civilians, especially […]
The day was Thursday, September 22, 2011. The ceremony was the burial of Sergeant Farin Doki, literally translated from Hausa, meaning ‘white horse’. The venue was 1 Division Headquarters of the Nigerian Army, where dignitaries, both military and civilians, assembled to mourn the demise of the 1 Division’s famous mascot. Though some invited civilians, especially those witnessing such an event for the first time, were full of amazement to see a colourful burial ceremony organized for a horse. For military personnel, such animals are symbols of the profession, hence the befitting burial.
Mascots, such as Sergeant Farin Doki, in the military tradition are objects, animals or persons that are chosen as a symbol of a regiment. Weekly Trust found out that the affinity between soldiers and animals is as old as the profession itself. The general belief among military personnel is that the spirit lodged in the mascot procures good luck for any unit or brigade, contributing in no small measure to their morale.
Soldiers and officers interviewed at the Army’s 1 Division, Kaduna and the Depot Nigerian Army, Zaria said the symbol of luck that Sergeant Farin Doki represents for the 1 Division is now gone. Mascots such as Sergeant Farin Doki, are some of the tamed animals that every military formation in Nigeria must have. They are usually brought to parade grounds during ceremonies that involve the regiment where that mascot is serving. The Army Headquarters must approve the enlistment of such mascots in any regiment. Such mascots, like Sergeant Farin Doki, receive salary, are on the payroll of the military where they have their military number, bank account and other entitlements. The salary paid to the mascots is for their upkeep.
General Officer Commanding (GOC) the Division, Major-General Joseph Shoboiki described the demise of Sergeant Doki as a great loss as, according to him, the steed was a great companion to officers and soldiers. “He was very loyal to the service of the Division. Every morning, when I inspect the Quarter Guard, I usually pet it and you will see sign of a horse that has been in the service for the past 10 years. Any parade we conduct, he is always there. So for him to just die after a 3-day illness is a loss, really” a sombre Shoboiki told Weekly Trust.
Three days mourning in honour of Sergeant Doki were declared by Shoboiki. The end of the period kick-started a search for another white stallion. “What we’ll do is to look for another horse that will fit into his role. Stallions are our mascot – and on our emblem – in 1 Division and we adopted since the civil war.”
Speaking to Weekly Trust, the guardian of Sergeant Doki, RSM, Warrant Officer Aminu Mayo said it is a great loss to him. “Farin Doki has been a wonderful companion,” RSM Mayo said. “When Sergeant Doki sees a soldier, he knows it is a soldier. And he never allows anyone to mount him, much less riding, except such person is in uniform,” RSM Mayo revealed with a hint of sadness.
Sergeant Farin Doki was born on February 1, 1980 in Kaduna-North Local Government Area of Kaduna state. He was enlisted into the Nigerian Army on January 1, 1995 with Army Number 101738922-6. Sergeant Farin Doki climbed up the ladder of the military profession and rose to the rank of a Sergeant at the Headquarters of the 1 Division of the Nigerian Army in Kaduna. During his service days, Sergeant Farin Doki received important dignitaries on official visit to the Headquarters of the 1 Division at the Division’s Quarter Guard. Among them were present Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Azubike Ihejirika, the Chiefs of Army Staff of India and Ghana. Sergeant Farin Doki was buried at the 1 Division Headquarters of the Nigerian Army, Kaduna.
While officers and men of the1 Division continue to mourn the demise of their colleague – Sergeant Farin Doki – civilians, especial those who were invited for the burial, continue to be baffled by the military tradition.