The Nigerian Army has strengthened its security presence in Kebbi State with the activation of three military formations to tackle banditry and other criminal activities in the North-West.
The new formations comprise the 28 Armoured Brigade and Garrison in Birnin Kebbi, 281 Tank Battalion in Yauri and 381 Artillery Regiment in Kaoje.
The Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Waidi Shaibu, who was represented at the event 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 move would improve the military’s capacity to deal with security challenges.
According to Shaibu, the creation of the 28 Brigade formed part of efforts to reorganise the Army’s operational structure and establish a stronger presence in the region.
He said, “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.”
Shaibu directed the Acting Commander of the 28 Brigade, Col. Abdullahi Umar, to ensure that the formation effectively supports military operations within its area of responsibility.
He said the new brigade would be particularly important in confronting banditry and other criminal activities in vulnerable parts of Kebbi.
The Army chief also reminded personnel of the need to maintain discipline and professionalism while coordinating their activities with other security agencies and relevant stakeholders.
“Achieving lasting peace requires unwavering discipline, tactical focus and seamless synergy among all security stakeholders,” he said.
He ordered the troops to operate within the Rules of Engagement and ensure that civilians were protected during military operations.
Shaibu also expressed condolences to the people of Jandutse following the recent death of a resident during a bandit attack. He assured the community that additional military presence would be provided to deter further attacks.
The development was welcomed by residents, who commended the Army for increasing its presence and security operations in the state.
The Kebbi State Government equally praised the activation of the formations, saying they would add strength to ongoing efforts to protect lives and property.
The Commissioner for Information and Culture, Alhaji Yakubu Ahmed BK, said the move showed the Army’s determination to confront the security challenges facing Kebbi and the country.
He described the establishment of the 28 Armoured Brigade and Garrison as a “decisive step” towards improving security operations and responding more quickly to threats within Kebbi and surrounding areas.
Yakubu said the tank battalion in Yauri and artillery regiment in Kaoje would also increase the capacity of security forces to conduct counter-insurgency and other combat operations.
He said, “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.”
The commissioner also recognised the efforts of the police, DSS, NSCDC, hunters and local vigilante groups in supporting security operations.
He assured residents of continued government backing for security agencies and appealed to them to share credible information that could help track bandits and other criminals.
Yakubu warned residents against assisting criminals or revealing sensitive security information to them, stressing that community cooperation remained important in restoring lasting peace.
He also urged youths to reject violence and criminal activities, saying stability was crucial to the continuation of development projects across the state.
