Army says new formations will expand its operational reach and improve response to banditry and other security threats in the northwestern state.
By Heapnews
The Nigerian Army has operationalised a new armoured brigade and three military formations in Kebbi State as part of efforts to strengthen security and protect vulnerable communities, the army said on Monday.
The 28 Armoured Brigade and Garrison was activated in Birnin Kebbi, alongside the 281 Tank Battalion in Yauri and the 381 Artillery Regiment in Kaoje, according to a statement by Lieutenant Colonel Olaniyi Osoba, acting deputy director of army public relations for the army’s 8 Division.
The Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, was represented at the ceremony by Major General Bemgba Paul Koughna, General Officer Commanding 8 Division and commander of Sector 2 Joint Task Force, Operation FANSAN YAMMA.
Koughna said the new formations were part of the army’s effort to expand its operational presence, strengthen command and control and improve response times to security threats across northwestern Nigeria.
He charged the acting commander of the 28 Brigade, Colonel Abdullahi Umar, to use the deployment to strengthen fire support capabilities and ongoing security operations in Kebbi.
Koughna also urged troops to maintain discipline and professionalism, comply with rules of engagement and protect civilians while carrying out their duties.
He said lasting peace would require cooperation among the military and other security agencies.
Koughna also expressed condolences to residents of Jandutse community after a resident was killed in a recent bandit attack, and assured them that the military would increase its presence in the area.
Residents thanked the army commander for its efforts to improve security in the state, the statement said.