The Nigerian Army has operationalized three new military formations in Kebbi State as part of efforts to expand its operational presence and strengthen the fight against 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. This development aims to improve the Army's response to security threats.
The Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Waidi Shaibu, represented by Maj. Gen. Paul Koughna, said the establishment of the 28 Brigade aligns with the Nigerian Army's ongoing drive to optimize its force structure, expand operational footprints, strengthen command and control, and improve response times to security challenges across the North-West region. The brigade will play a critical role in countering banditry and other criminal activities, particularly in vulnerable communities across Kebbi.
Lt. Gen. Waidi Shaibu charged the Acting Commander of the 28 Brigade, Col. Abdullahi Umar, to ensure that the formation contributed effectively to ongoing military operations within its area of responsibility. He urged the officers and soldiers to maintain discipline and professionalism while working closely with other security agencies and relevant stakeholders. Achieving lasting peace requires unwavering discipline, tactical focus, and seamless synergy among all security stakeholders.
The Army Chief directed the troops to strictly observe 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. The residents expressed appreciation to the Army leadership for strengthening security operations and expanding its presence across the state.
The Kebbi State Government has welcomed the operationalization of the three formations, describing the development as a major boost to security efforts in the state. The Commissioner for Information and Culture, Alhaji Yakubu Ahmed BK, said the establishment of the formations demonstrated the Army's commitment to addressing the 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.
Alhaji Yakubu Ahmed BK said the 281 Tank Battalion in Yauri and 381 Artillery Regiment in Kaoje would further enhance counter-insurgency and combat operations across the state. He commended the police, DSS, NSCDC, hunters, and community-based vigilante groups for their contributions to protecting lives and property. The state government would continue to support security agencies in the discharge of their responsibilities and urged residents to provide credible information on the activities and movements of bandits and other criminal elements.
Alhaji Yakubu Ahmed BK urged residents to avoid providing information or other forms of support to criminals, stressing that public cooperation remained essential to achieving lasting peace. He urged youths to shun violence and criminal activities, noting that peace and stability were necessary for the government to sustain development efforts across the state. The operationalization of these formations will further strengthen and streamline counter-insurgency and combat operations across the State.
Key points
- The Nigerian Army has operationalized three new military formations in Kebbi State to combat banditry and other security threats.
- The formations are the 28 Armoured Brigade and Garrison in Birnin Kebbi, 281 Tank Battalion in Yauri, and 381 Artillery Regiment in Kaoje.
- The development aims to improve the Army's response to security threats and strengthen its operational presence in the North-West region.
