Three New Military Formations Activated in Kebbi to Combat Insecurity

On Monday, the Nigerian Army officially launched three fresh military units within Kebbi State. This move is part of a broader strategy to extend its operational reach and intensify efforts to counter banditry and various other security challenges plaguing the North-West region. These newly established formations include the 28 Armoured Brigade and Garrison situated in Birnin Kebbi, the 281 Tank Battalion in Yauri, and the 381 Artillery Regiment located in Kaoje.

During the official commissioning ceremony, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, the Chief of Army Staff, whose address was delivered by Major General Paul Koughna, the General Officer Commanding of the 8 Division and Commander of Sector 2, Joint Task Force North-West, Operation Fansan Yamma, stated that this initiative is designed to enhance the Army's capacity to respond to security threats more effectively.

General Shaibu elaborated that setting up the 28 Brigade aligns with the Army's continuous drive to refine its force organisation, bolster its command and control mechanisms, and broaden its operational presence throughout the entire North-West. He quoted, “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.”

The Army Chief specifically tasked Colonel Abdullahi Umar, the Acting Commander of the 28 Brigade, to ensure that this new unit significantly contributes to current military operations within its designated operational zone. He emphasized that the brigade is expected to be instrumental in combating banditry and various other criminal enterprises, especially in the susceptible areas within Kebbi State.

Furthermore, Shaibu implored the officers and soldiers to uphold high standards of discipline and professionalism, advocating for close collaboration with other security organizations and pertinent stakeholders. He remarked, “Achieving lasting peace requires unwavering discipline, tactical focus and seamless synergy among all security stakeholders.” He instructed the personnel to strictly adhere to the Rules of Engagement and safeguard law-abiding citizens as they execute their constitutional duties. The Army Chief also extended his condolences to the Jandutse community following the recent killing of a resident during a bandit incursion, promising an increased military presence to deter future assaults.

In response, the local residents conveyed their gratitude to the Army hierarchy for bolstering security operations and expanding its footprint throughout the state. Concurrently, the Kebbi State Government has applauded the inauguration of these three formations, hailing the move as a significant enhancement to the state's security initiatives.

Alhaji Yakubu Ahmed BK, the Commissioner for Information and Culture, stated that the creation of these formations underscores the Army's dedication to tackling the security issues faced by Kebbi State and the nation at large. He characterized the 28 Armoured Brigade and Garrison in Birnin Kebbi as a “decisive step” aimed at intensifying security operations and refining the response to new threats within the state and its adjacent regions.

Yakubu further noted that the 281 Tank Battalion in Yauri and the 381 Artillery Regiment in Kaoje are expected to significantly boost counter-insurgency and combat efforts across the state. He asserted, “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 extended accolades to the police, DSS, NSCDC, local hunters, and community-based vigilante groups for their vital contributions to safeguarding lives and property. He affirmed the state government's ongoing commitment to supporting security agencies in their duties and appealed to residents to offer reliable intelligence regarding the movements and activities of bandits and other criminal entities. Additionally, Yakubu implored citizens to refrain from offering any form of information or assistance to criminals, emphasizing that public collaboration is crucial for attaining enduring peace. He encouraged the youth to reject violence and criminal engagements, highlighting that a peaceful and stable environment is indispensable for the government to maintain its developmental initiatives throughout the state.