Army operationalises 28 Armoured Brigade in Kebbi, strengthens security presence in North-West
By: Zagazola Makama
The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt. Gen. Waidi Shaibu, has formally operationalised 28 Armoured Brigade and Garrison in Birnin Kebbi, alongside 281 Tank Battalion in Yauri and 381 Artillery Regiment in Kaoje, as part of efforts to strengthen military presence and security operations in Kebbi State.
The COAS, represented by the General Officer Commanding (GOC), 8 Division Nigerian Army and Commander, Sector 2, Joint Task Force (North-West), Operation FANSAN YAMMA, Maj. Gen. Bemgba Paul Koughna, said the new formations were established to enhance the Army’s operational capacity and improve response to emerging security threats across the North-West.
Maj. Gen. Koughna said the establishment of the brigade was in line with the Nigerian Army’s ongoing efforts to optimise its force structure, expand operational footprints, strengthen command and control and reduce response time to security incidents within the Division’s area of responsibility.
He charged the Acting Commander of 28 Brigade, Col. Abdullahi Umar, to ensure that the formation effectively provides the required fire-support capabilities to enhance ongoing operations across the Division.
The GOC said the deployment was particularly important in strengthening security operations in Kebbi State and addressing threats posed by armed criminal elements and other emerging security challenges.
He stressed that achieving lasting peace required discipline, tactical focus and effective cooperation among the military, other security agencies, traditional institutions and local communities.
Koughna also charged the troops to maintain high standards of professionalism and strictly adhere to the Rules of Engagement while carrying out their constitutional responsibilities.
He reminded the troops of the need to protect law-abiding citizens and ensure that their operations were conducted with due regard for civilian lives and property.
During the visit, the GOC also commiserated with residents of Jandutse community following the recent death of a resident in a bandit attack.
He assured the community that the Nigerian Army would increase its presence in the area as part of measures to improve the safety of residents and prevent further attacks.
The residents expressed appreciation to the GOC for the military’s continued efforts to improve security in Jandutse and other communities across Kebbi State.
The operationalisation of the new formations is expected to further strengthen the Nigerian Army’s footprint in Kebbi and enhance its capacity to conduct sustained operations against bandits and other criminal elements operating across the state.
