Army activates three formations in Kebbi to fight banditry

The Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Waidi Shaibu. Photo: Nigerian Army

The Nigerian Army on Monday operationalised three new military formations in Kebbi State as part of efforts to expand its operational presence and strengthen the fight against banditry and other security threats in the North-West.

The formations are the 28 Armoured Brigade and Garrison in Birnin Kebbi, 281 Tank Battalion in Yauri and 381 Artillery Regiment in Kaoje.

Speaking at the operationalisation ceremony, the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Waidi Shaibu, represented by the General Officer Commanding, 8 Division, Nigerian Army and Commander, Sector 2, Joint Task Force North-West, Operation Fansan Yamma, Maj. Gen. Paul Koughna, said the development was aimed at improving the Army’s response to security threats.

Shaibu said the establishment of the 28 Brigade was part of the Army’s efforts to optimise its force structure, strengthen command and control and expand its operational footprint across the region.

He said, “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 charged the Acting Commander of the 28 Brigade, Col Abdullahi Umar, to ensure that the formation contributed effectively to ongoing military operations within its area of responsibility.

He said the brigade would play a critical role in countering banditry and other criminal activities, particularly in vulnerable communities across Kebbi.

Shaibu also urged the officers and soldiers to maintain discipline and professionalism while working closely with other security agencies and relevant stakeholders.

“Achieving lasting peace requires unwavering discipline, tactical focus and seamless synergy among all security stakeholders,” he said.

He directed the troops to strictly observe the Rules of Engagement and protect law-abiding citizens while carrying out their constitutional responsibilities.

The Army Chief also commiserated with residents of Jandutse community over the recent killing of a resident in a bandit attack, assuring them that the military would increase its presence in the area to prevent further attacks.

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The residents expressed appreciation to the Army leadership for strengthening security operations and expanding its presence across the state.

Meanwhile, the Kebbi State Government has welcomed the operationalisation of the three formations, describing the development as a major boost to security efforts in the state.

The Commissioner for Information and Culture, Alhaji Yakubu Ahmed, said the establishment of the formations demonstrated the Army’s commitment to addressing the security challenges confronting Kebbi and the country.

He described the 28 Armoured Brigade and Garrison in Birnin Kebbi as a “decisive step” towards strengthening security operations and improving response to emerging threats within the state and neighbouring areas.

Yakubu said the 281 Tank Battalion in Yauri and 381 Artillery Regiment in Kaoje would further enhance counter-insurgency and combat operations across the state.

He said, “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 commended the police, DSS, NSCDC, hunters and community-based vigilante groups for their contributions to protecting lives and property.

He said the state government would continue to support security agencies in the discharge of their responsibilities and urged residents to provide credible information on the activities and movements of bandits and other criminal elements.

Yakubu also called on residents to avoid providing information or other forms of support to criminals, stressing that public cooperation remained essential to achieving lasting peace.

He urged youths to shun violence and criminal activities, noting that peace and stability were necessary for the government to sustain development efforts across the state.