Army Activates Three New Formations in Kebbi to Strengthen Security

The Nigerian Army has operationalised three new military formations in Kebbi State as part of efforts to strengthen security operations and improve its response to banditry and other criminal activities across the North-West.

The 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 formations were formally operationalised on Monday during a ceremony attended by senior military officers and representatives of the Kebbi State Government.

Representing the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Waidi Shaibu, 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 was aimed at strengthening the Army’s operational capacity in the state.

According to Shaibu, the establishment of the 28 Armoured Brigade is part of the Army’s broader effort to restructure its forces, improve command and control, and expand its operational presence across the region.

“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,” he said.

The Army Chief charged the Acting Commander of the 28 Brigade, Col. Abdullahi Umar, to ensure that the new formation contributed effectively to ongoing military operations within its area of responsibility.

He said the brigade would be particularly important in efforts to tackle banditry and other criminal activities in vulnerable communities across Kebbi State.

Shaibu also urged personnel of the new formation 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,” he said.

He directed troops to adhere strictly to the Rules of Engagement and protect law-abiding citizens while carrying out their constitutional duties.

The Chief of Army Staff also commiserated with residents of Jandutse community over the recent killing of a resident in a bandit attack, assuring them that the military would strengthen its presence in the area to prevent further attacks.

Residents of the community welcomed the increased military presence and expressed appreciation to the Army leadership for expanding security operations across the state.

Meanwhile, the Kebbi State Government welcomed the operationalisation of the three formations, describing it as a significant development in the state’s efforts to address security challenges.

The Commissioner for Information and Culture, Alhaji Yakubu Ahmed BK, said the establishment of the formations demonstrated the Army’s commitment to improving security in Kebbi and other parts of the country.

He described the 28 Armoured Brigade and Garrison in Birnin Kebbi as a “decisive step” towards strengthening security operations and improving response to emerging threats in the state and neighbouring areas.

Yakubu said the deployment of the 281 Tank Battalion in Yauri and the 381 Artillery Regiment in Kaoje would also enhance counter-insurgency and combat operations across the state.

“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,” he said.

The commissioner commended the police, Department of State Services, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, hunters and community-based vigilante groups for their contributions to protecting lives and property.

He assured that the state government would continue to support security agencies in carrying out their responsibilities.

Yakubu also urged residents to provide security agencies with credible information about the activities and movements of bandits and other criminal elements, while warning against offering criminals information or other forms of support.

He called on youths to reject violence and criminal activities, stressing that peace and stability remained essential for the government to sustain development across the state.