By Abdullahi Tukur
The Nigerian Army has expanded its operational presence in Kebbi State with the formal operationalisation of the 28 Armoured Brigade and Garrison in Birnin Kebbi, alongside the 281 Tank Battalion in Yauri and the 381 Artillery Regiment in Kaoje.
The development, approved by the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, is aimed at strengthening military operations, improving response times and enhancing the protection of communities facing security threats across Kebbi State and the wider North-West.
The operationalisation comes amid continuing security concerns in parts of Kebbi, where communities have faced attacks linked to banditry and other criminal activities.
Recent security developments in the state have included the killing of the Lafagu village head and renewed calls for stronger security measures, while security agencies have also recorded arrests of suspected members of criminal and terrorist groups operating in parts of the state.
Army Expands Operational Footprint in Kebbi
Representing the COAS at the operationalisation ceremony, the General Officer Commanding 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 part of the Army’s broader effort to optimise its force structure.
According to him, the move would expand the Army’s operational footprint, strengthen command and control and improve the speed with which troops can respond to emerging security challenges across the North-West.
The deployment also places additional military capabilities closer to communities and areas considered vulnerable to attacks.
The Army’s expanded presence comes against the backdrop of renewed efforts by the Kebbi State Government to strengthen its security architecture following attacks recorded in some communities.
28 Brigade Commander Gets Fresh Operational Mandate
Major General Koughna charged the Acting Commander of 28 Brigade, Colonel Abdullahi Umar, to ensure that the new formation effectively delivers the fire-support capabilities required to strengthen ongoing military operations.
He said the deployment should enhance operational effectiveness within the Division’s area of responsibility, particularly in confronting criminal elements and other security threats in Kebbi State.
The Army’s emphasis on stronger operational coordination also comes as security agencies continue joint efforts against criminal networks. In August, the Kebbi State Police Command announced the arrest of suspected Mamudawa/Boko Haram and Lakurawa elements in separate operations.
Major General Koughna said lasting peace would require discipline, tactical focus and effective cooperation among security agencies and other stakeholders.
COAS Orders Troops to Protect Residents
Lieutenant General Shaibu also directed personnel to maintain high standards of professionalism and strictly observe the Rules of Engagement while carrying out their constitutional responsibilities.
He stressed the need for troops to protect law-abiding citizens as they undertake operations aimed at confronting security threats.
The emphasis on community protection is significant for Kebbi communities that have experienced attacks and displacement in recent months. Residents around Kaoje and neighbouring communities were previously affected by attacks that resulted in loss of lives and forced some people to leave their homes.
The expanded military formations are therefore expected to improve the Army’s ability to respond to threats while supporting wider security coordination across the state.
COAS Commiserates With Jandutse Community
During the engagement, the COAS also commiserated with residents of Jandutse community following the recent death of a resident in a bandit attack.
He assured the community that the military would increase its presence in the area to strengthen the protection of residents.
The assurance comes as security authorities continue to confront threats from bandit groups and other criminal networks operating across parts of the North-West.
Earlier security operations in the region have demonstrated the scale of the challenge. In September, troops under Operation FANSAN YAMMA continued operations aimed at improving security and protecting vulnerable communities.
Residents Welcome Increased Military Presence
Residents and community representatives expressed appreciation to the COAS and the GOC for their continued efforts to improve security across Kebbi State.
The operationalisation of the 28 Armoured Brigade, 281 Tank Battalion and 381 Artillery Regiment gives the Nigerian Army additional formations from which to coordinate security operations in different parts of the state.
For communities facing persistent security concerns, the immediate expectation will be that the increased military presence translates into faster responses to attacks, stronger protection of vulnerable areas and improved coordination among security agencies.
The development also adds to broader efforts by authorities to strengthen security coordination in Kebbi. The Kebbi State Government has previously called for stronger inter-agency cooperation to tackle banditry and trans-border crimes, particularly in view of the security challenges affecting the North-West.
The Bureau Journal reports that the newly operationalised formations will form part of the Nigerian Army’s wider security architecture in Kebbi, with their effectiveness expected to depend on operational coordination, intelligence gathering and sustained engagement with affected communities.
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