The Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, has operationalised the 28 Armoured Brigade and Garrison in Birnin Kebbi, alongside the 281 Tank Battalion in Yauri and the 381 Artillery Regiment in Kaoje, Kebbi State.
The General Officer Commanding 8 Division, Nigerian Army, and Commander, Sector 2 Joint Task Force North-West, Operation FANSAN YAMMA, Major General Bemgba Koughna, represented the Chief of Army Staff at the ceremony.
Koughna said the establishment of the new formations would strengthen the Nigerian Army’s operational capacity and improve security across Kebbi State.
He said the move was part of efforts to optimise the Army’s force structure, expand its operational presence, strengthen command and control, and improve response times to security threats across the North-West.
The GOC charged the Acting Commander of 28 Brigade, Colonel Abdullahi Umar, to ensure that the formation provided essential fire-support capabilities and improved operational effectiveness within its area of responsibility.
He said the brigade would play a key role in ongoing efforts to tackle threats posed by criminal elements and other security challenges in the state.
Koughna also urged the troops to maintain discipline, tactical focus and professionalism while working with other security agencies and relevant stakeholders.
He directed the personnel to comply strictly with the rules of engagement and protect law-abiding residents while carrying out their constitutional duties.
The GOC also commiserated with residents of Jandutse community over the recent death of a community member in a bandit attack.
He assured the residents that the military would increase its presence in the area as part of efforts to improve their safety and security.
The residents expressed appreciation to the Nigerian Army for its continued efforts to protect communities and strengthen security across Kebbi State.