The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, has 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 operations across Kebbi State.
The operationalisation was carried out on behalf of the COAS 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.
According to the Army, the establishment of the new formations is in line with ongoing efforts to optimise its force structure, expand operational presence, strengthen command and control, and improve response time to security threats across the North-West.
Speaking during the exercise, Major General Koughna charged the Acting Commander of 28 Brigade, Colonel Abdullahi Umar, to ensure that the formation delivers the required fire-support capabilities to enhance operational effectiveness within the Division’s area of responsibility.
He said the deployment was particularly important in strengthening ongoing efforts to tackle criminal elements and other security challenges confronting communities in Kebbi State.
The GOC urged troops to maintain discipline, professionalism and tactical focus, while ensuring effective cooperation with other security agencies and stakeholders.
He also directed the troops to strictly observe the Rules of Engagement and protect law-abiding citizens while carrying out their constitutional responsibilities.
Major General Koughna further commiserated with residents of Jandutse community over the recent death of a resident in a bandit attack, assured them that the military would increase its presence in the area to enhance the safety of residents.
The residents expressed appreciation to the GOC for the continued efforts of the Nigerian Army to protect communities and improve security across Kebbi State.
