Army operationalises 28 Armoured Brigade, two formations in Kebbi

The Nigerian Army has operationalised 28 Armoured Brigade and Garrison in Birnin Kebbi, alongside 281 Tank Battalion in Yauri and 381 Artillery Regiment in Kaoje, Kebbi State.

The Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Waidi Shaibu, was represented at the event by the General Officer Commanding 8 Division Nigerian Army and Commander, Sector 2, Joint Task Force North-West, Operation FANSAN YAMMA, Maj. Gen. Bemgba Paul Koughna.

Koughna said the new formations were established to strengthen the Army’s operational capacity, expand its presence and improve response to emerging security threats across the North-West.

He said the development was part of efforts to optimise the Army’s force structure, strengthen command and control and reduce response time to security incidents within the division’s area of responsibility.

The GOC charged the Acting Commander of 28 Brigade, Col. Abdullahi Umar, to ensure the formation effectively provides fire-support capabilities for ongoing operations across the division.

Koughna also urged troops to maintain professionalism and adhere strictly to the Rules of Engagement while protecting civilians and their property during operations.

He said lasting peace required cooperation among the military, other security agencies, traditional institutions and local communities.

During the visit, Koughna also commiserated with residents of Jandutse community following the recent death of a resident in a bandit attack.

He assured the community that the Army would increase its presence in the area to improve security and prevent further attacks.

The operationalisation of the formations is aimed at strengthening the Army’s presence in Kebbi State and improving its capacity to conduct sustained operations against bandits and other criminal elements in the North-West.