The Nigerian Army has operationalised three new military formations in Kebbi State as part of efforts to strengthen its presence and improve the response to banditry and other security threats in the North-West.
The formations are the 28 Armoured Brigade and Garrison in Birnin Kebbi, 281 Tank Battalion in Yauri and 381 Artillery Regiment in Kaoje.
Speaking at the operationalisation ceremony, the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Waidi Shaibu, represented by the General Officer Commanding 8 Division and Commander, Sector 2, Joint Task Force North-West, Operation Fansan Yamma, Maj. Gen. Paul Koughna, said the development was aimed at strengthening the Army’s operational capacity in the region.
Shaibu said the establishment of the 28 Brigade was part of efforts to optimise the Army’s force structure, expand its operational footprint and improve command and control.
“The establishment of the Brigade aligns with the Nigerian Army’s ongoing drive to optimise its force structure, expand operational footprints, strengthen command and control and improve response times to security challenges across the North-West region,” he said.
The Army Chief charged the Acting Commander of the 28 Brigade, Col. Abdullahi Umar, to ensure that the formation contributed effectively to ongoing operations within its area of responsibility.
He said the brigade would play a critical role in countering banditry and other criminal activities, particularly in vulnerable communities across Kebbi State.
Shaibu also urged officers and soldiers to maintain discipline and professionalism while working with other security agencies and relevant stakeholders.
“Achieving lasting peace requires unwavering discipline, tactical focus and seamless synergy among all security stakeholders,” he said.
The Chief of Army Staff directed troops to strictly adhere to the Rules of Engagement and protect law-abiding citizens while carrying out their constitutional responsibilities.
He also commiserated with residents of Jandutse community over the recent killing of a resident in a bandit attack, assuring them that the military would increase its presence in the area to prevent further attacks.
Residents expressed appreciation to the Army leadership for expanding its presence and strengthening security operations across the state.
Meanwhile, the Kebbi State Government welcomed the operationalisation of the three formations, describing it as a boost to security efforts in the state.
The Commissioner for Information and Culture, Alhaji Yakubu Ahmed, said the development demonstrated the Army’s commitment to addressing security challenges confronting Kebbi and the country.
He described the 28 Armoured Brigade and Garrison in Birnin Kebbi as a “decisive step” towards strengthening security operations and improving response to emerging threats in the state and neighbouring areas.
Ahmed said the 281 Tank Battalion in Yauri and the 381 Artillery Regiment in Kaoje would further enhance counter-insurgency and combat operations across the state.
“The operationalisation of these formations will further strengthen and streamline counter-insurgency and combat operations across the State, enabling security forces to respond more effectively to threats and disrupt criminal activities,” he said.
The commissioner also commended the police, Department of State Services, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, hunters and community-based vigilante groups for their contributions to protecting lives and property.
He assured that the state government would continue to support security agencies in the discharge of their responsibilities, while urging residents to provide credible information on the activities and movements of bandits and other criminal elements.
Ahmed also called on residents to avoid providing information or other forms of support to criminals, stressing that public cooperation was essential to achieving lasting peace.
He urged youths to shun violence and criminal activities, noting that peace and stability were necessary for sustained development across the state.
