The Nigerian Army has operationalised 28 Armoured Brigade and Garrison in Birnin Kebbi, alongside 281 Tank Battalion in Yauri and 381 Artillery Regiment in Kaoje, to strengthen security operations and protect communities across Kebbi State.
The Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, represented by the General Officer Commanding 8 Division Nigerian Army and Commander, Sector 2, Joint Task Force (North West), Operation FANSAN YAMMA, Major General Bemgba Paul Koughna, said the establishment of the formations was part of efforts to optimise the Army’s force structure, expand its operational footprint, strengthen command and control, and improve response times to security challenges across the North-West.
A statement by the Acting Deputy Director, Army Public Relations, 8 Division, Nigerian Army, Lieutenant Colonel Olaniyi Osoba, said Major General Koughna gave the charge while operationalising the new formations in Kebbi State.
The GOC charged the Acting Commander of 28 Brigade, Colonel Abdullahi Umar, to regard the deployment as a responsibility to provide essential fire-support capabilities and enhance operational effectiveness across the Division’s area of responsibility.
Koughna said the expanded military presence would strengthen ongoing security efforts in Kebbi State, particularly in tackling threats posed by criminal elements and other security challenges.
He stressed that achieving lasting peace would require discipline, tactical focus and seamless synergy among all security stakeholders.
The GOC also urged troops to maintain high standards of professionalism, adhere strictly to the Rules of Engagement and protect law-abiding citizens while carrying out their constitutional responsibilities.
Koughna commiserated with residents of Jandutse community following the recent death of a resident in a bandit attack, assuring them of increased military presence to enhance their safety.
Residents of the community appreciated the GOC for his efforts to strengthen security in Jandutse and across Kebbi State.
The operationalisation of the new formations is expected to expand the Nigerian Army’s operational reach and strengthen its capacity to respond to security threats across the North-West.
