Nigerian Army opens three formations in Kebbi to counter banditry
The Nigerian Army has operationalised three formations in Kebbi State, saying the move will expand its presence, improve command and control and speed up responses to security threats. The state government welcomed the development and called for continued cooperation between residents and security agencies to help prevent attacks.
The Nigerian Army has operationalised three new formations in Kebbi State as part of efforts to strengthen security operations and improve its response to banditry and other 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.
The Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Waidi Shaibu, was represented at the ceremony by Maj.
Gen. Paul Koughna, the General Officer Commanding 8 Division and Commander of Sector 2, Joint Task Force North-West, Operation Fansan Yamma. Shaibu said the new brigade formed part of the Army’s effort to improve its force structure, expand its operational footprint and strengthen command and control across the region.
He said the changes were intended to improve response times to security challenges. He charged the Acting Commander of the 28 Brigade, Col. Abdullahi Umar, with ensuring that the formation contributed effectively to military operations within its area of responsibility.
The Army chief said the brigade would be important in countering banditry and other criminal activity, particularly in vulnerable communities. Shaibu also urged troops to remain disciplined and professional, cooperate with other security agencies and observe the Rules of Engagement. He said law-abiding citizens must be protected while soldiers carried out their constitutional duties.
The Army chief expressed sympathy to residents of Jandutse community after a resident was recently killed in a bandit attack. He assured them that the military would increase its presence there to help prevent further attacks. Kebbi’s Commissioner for Information and Culture, Yakubu Ahmed BK, welcomed the formations, saying they would strengthen counter-insurgency and combat operations.
He urged residents to provide credible information about bandits and avoid supporting criminals.
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