The Nigerian Army has operationalised 28 Armoured Brigade and Garrison in Birnin Kebbi, 281 Tank Battalion in Yauri and 381 Artillery Regiment in Kaoje, Kebbi State, to strengthen security operations across the state.

The Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Waidi Shaibu, represented by the General Officer Commanding, 8 Division Nigerian Army and Commander, Sector 2, Joint Task Force, North-West, Operation FANSAN YAMMA, Maj. Gen. Bemgba Paul Koughna, said the new formations would improve the Army’s operational capacity and response to emerging security threats in the North-West.

Koughna said the establishment of the formations was part of the Army’s efforts to optimise its force structure, expand its operational footprint, strengthen command and control, and reduce response time to security incidents within its area of responsibility.

He charged the Acting Commander of 28 Brigade, Col. Abdullahi Umar, to ensure that the formation provides the required fire-support capabilities to ongoing operations across the division.

The GOC said the deployment would strengthen security operations in Kebbi and help address threats posed by armed criminal elements and other emerging security challenges.

He stressed that achieving lasting peace required discipline, tactical focus and cooperation among the military, other security agencies, traditional institutions and local communities.

Koughna also directed the troops to maintain professionalism and adhere strictly to the Rules of Engagement while carrying out their constitutional duties.

He urged them to protect law-abiding citizens and ensure that their operations were conducted with due regard for civilian lives and property.

During the visit, the GOC commiserated with residents of Jandutse community over the recent death of a resident in a bandit attack.

He assured the residents that the Army would increase its presence in the area to improve security and prevent further attacks.

The residents appreciated the military’s efforts to improve security in Jandutse and other communities across Kebbi State.

The operationalisation of the formations is expected to expand the Nigerian Army’s presence in Kebbi and strengthen its capacity to sustain operations against bandits and other criminal elements across the state.