By Sandra Kenneth
The Nigerian Army has operationalised three new military formations in Kebbi State to expand its operational footprint and intensify the crackdown on banditry and insecurity across the North-West region.
The newly established units include the 28 Armoured Brigade and Garrison in Birnin Kebbi, the 281 Tank Battalion in Yauri, and the 381 Artillery Regiment in Kaoje.
Speaking during the official activation ceremony, the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt. Gen. Waidi Shaibu—represented by Maj. Gen. Paul Koughna, General Officer Commanding 8 Division and Commander of Sector 2, Joint Task Force North-West (Operation Fansan Yamma)—stated that the move is designed to improve response times and fortify command structures in combat operations.
“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,” Shaibu said.
Charging the Acting Commander of the 28 Brigade, Col. Abdullahi Umar, to ensure maximum operational efficiency, the Army Chief highlighted that the new units will play a key role in protecting vulnerable communities. He also urged troops to maintain discipline, observe the Rules of Engagement, and foster strong synergy with sister agencies and local stakeholders.
“Achieving lasting peace requires unwavering discipline, tactical focus, and seamless synergy among all security stakeholders,” Shaibu added, while commiserating with the Jandutse community following a recent lethal bandit attack and promising heightened military presence in the area.
In response, the Kebbi State Government commended the military high command for the strategic deployment, describing it as a vital boost to regional peace and stability.
Kebbi State Commissioner for Information and Culture, Alhaji Yakubu Ahmed BK, lauded the initiative as a decisive step toward eliminating criminal elements. He reiterated the state’s commitment to supporting security forces, while praising the joint efforts of the Police, DSS, NSCDC, local hunters, and vigilante groups.
Alhaji Ahmed also appealed to residents to support ongoing counter-insurgency operations by providing timely, credible intelligence and refraining from aiding criminal elements.
