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

Olaniyi Osoba, the army’s acting spokesman, disclosed this in a statement on Monday.

Mr Osoba said the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Waidi Shaibu, was represented by the General Officer Commanding 8 Division and Commander, Sector 2 Joint Task Force, Operation Fansan Yamma, Maj. Gen. Bemgba Paul Koughna, during the operationalisation ceremony.

He said the establishment of the brigade aligned with the army’s ongoing drive to optimise its force structure, expand its operational footprint, strengthen command and control, and improve response times to security challenges across the North-West region.

According to him, the COAS charged Abdullahi Umar, the acting commander of 28 Brigade, to view the deployment as a duty to provide essential fire support capabilities, enhance operational effectiveness across the division’s area of responsibility and strengthen ongoing security efforts in Kebbi State, particularly in addressing threats posed by criminal elements and other security challenges.

He emphasised that achieving lasting peace requires unwavering discipline, tactical focus and seamless synergy among all security stakeholders.

He urged the troops to maintain high standards of professionalism, adhere strictly to the rules of engagement and protect law-abiding citizens while executing their constitutional mandate.

The COAS also commiserated with residents of Jandutse community, who recently lost a member to a bandit attack, and assured them of increased military presence to guarantee their safety.

The residents appreciated the GOC for his efforts towards ensuring their safety and that of the wider Kebbi State.