The Nigerian Army has formally operationalised the 28 Armoured Brigade and Garrison in Birnin Kebbi, alongside the 281 Tank Battalion in Yauri and 381 Artillery Regiment in Kaoje, as part of efforts to strengthen security and protect vulnerable communities across Kebbi State.
The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, who was represented at the ceremony by the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 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 new formations was aimed at enhancing the Army’s operational capacity in the region.
Major General Koughna said the initiative was in line with the Nigerian Army’s ongoing efforts to optimise its force structure, expand its operational footprint, strengthen command and control, and improve response time to security threats across the North-West.
He charged the Acting Commander of 28 Brigade, Colonel Abdullahi Umar, to ensure that the formation effectively provided the necessary fire-support capabilities to enhance operations within the Division’s area of responsibility.
The GOC said the deployment would further strengthen ongoing security operations in Kebbi State, particularly in tackling threats posed by criminal elements and other security challenges.
He stressed that achieving sustainable peace required discipline, tactical focus and effective collaboration among all security agencies and other stakeholders.
Koughna also urged troops to maintain high standards of professionalism, strictly adhere to the Rules of Engagement and protect law-abiding citizens while carrying out their constitutional responsibilities.
The GOC further commiserated with residents of Jandutse community over the recent death of a resident in a bandit attack, assuring them of increased military presence to enhance their safety.
The residents expressed appreciation to the Nigerian Army for its continued efforts to improve security in the community and across Kebbi State.
