Nigerian Army opens three formations in Kebbi to counter banditry

The Nigerian Army has operationalised three military formations in Kebbi State as part of efforts to expand its presence and strengthen operations against banditry and other security threats in 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 Army announced their activation at a ceremony on Monday.

Chief of Army Staff Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, represented by Major General Paul Koughna, said the 28 Brigade would help optimise the Army’s force structure, improve command and control and extend its operational footprint. Koughna is the General Officer Commanding the Army’s 8 Division and commander of Sector 2 of Operation Fansan Yamma. Shaibu directed the acting commander of the 28 Brigade, Colonel Abdullahi Umar, to ensure the formation contributed to military operations within its area of responsibility.

He said the brigade would have a role in countering banditry and other criminal activity in vulnerable communities. The Army chief urged personnel to maintain discipline and professionalism, cooperate with other security agencies and observe the Rules of Engagement. He also said the military would increase its presence around Jandutse after a resident was recently killed in a bandit attack.

Kebbi State welcomed the formations. Commissioner for Information and Culture Yakubu Ahmed said they would strengthen and streamline counter-insurgency and combat operations and improve responses to emerging threats in the state and neighbouring areas. Ahmed also praised the police, DSS, civil defence personnel, hunters and community vigilantes.

He urged residents to provide credible information about suspected criminal activity and avoid supporting armed groups.