The Nigerian Army has operationalised three new military formations in Kebbi State as part of efforts to strengthen security operations and tackle banditry and other criminal activities across the North-West.
The newly activated formations are the 28 Armoured Brigade and Garrison in Birnin Kebbi, the 281 Tank Battalion in Yauri, and the 381 Artillery Regiment in Kaoje.
The Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, represented at the ceremony by the General Officer Commanding 8 Division and Commander of Sector 2, Joint Task Force North-West, Operation Fansan Yamma, Major General Paul Koughna, said the move would improve the Army’s ability to respond to security threats.
According to the Army Chief, the establishment of the 28 Brigade is part of ongoing efforts to strengthen command and control, expand the military’s operational footprint and improve response times across the North-West.
Shaibu charged the Acting Commander of the 28 Brigade, Colonel Abdullahi Umar, to ensure that the new formation contributes effectively to military operations within its area of responsibility.
He also urged officers and soldiers to maintain discipline, professionalism and close cooperation with other security agencies.
The Army Chief directed troops to strictly observe the Rules of Engagement and protect law-abiding citizens while carrying out their constitutional responsibilities.
He also expressed condolences to residents of Jandutse community following the recent killing of a resident in a bandit attack, assuring them that the military would increase its presence in the area to help prevent further attacks.
The Kebbi State Government has welcomed the development, describing the activation of the three formations as a major boost to security efforts across the state.
The Commissioner for Information and Culture, Alhaji Yakubu Ahmed, said the new formations would strengthen counter-insurgency and combat operations while improving security forces’ ability to respond to emerging threats.
He also commended the police, DSS, NSCDC, hunters and community-based vigilante groups for their contributions to protecting lives and property.
The state government called on residents to provide credible information about the activities and movements of bandits and other criminal elements, while urging youths to reject violence and criminal activities.
With the activation of the three formations, security authorities say the expanded military presence is expected to strengthen efforts to protect communities and improve security across Kebbi State.
