Army establishes three additional units in Kebbi

The Army Headquarters has announced the establishment of three additional Units/formations in Kebbi State to strengthen its operational presence across the state, given its vulnerability to international and local borders, and the State government has welcomed the decision.

In a statement issued to journalists on Monday in Birnin-Kebbi, the Commissioner for Information and Culture, Alhaji Yakubu Ahmed BK, expressed that the development demonstrates the Nigerian Army’s commitment to addressing the security challenges facing Kebbi State in particular and the country at large.

He described the establishment of the 28 Armoured Brigade and Garrison in Birnin Kebbi as a decisive step towards strengthening security operations, enhancing operational capacity and ensuring a timely response to emerging threats, not only within Kebbi State but also in adjoining areas of neighbouring states.

Alhaji Yakubu Ahmed also acknowledged the commendable contributions of other security agencies, including the Nigeria Police Force, Department of State Services (DSS), Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), hunters and other community-based vigilante groups, in the collective efforts to safeguard lives and property across the State.

He noted that, in addition to the Brigade Headquarters in Birnin Kebbi, the operationalisation of the 281 Tank Battalion in Yauri and the 381 Artillery Regiment in Kaoje would further strengthen and streamline counter-insurgency and combat operations across the State, enabling security forces to respond more effectively to threats and disrupt criminal activities.

The Commissioner stressed that timely and coordinated intervention remains critical to deterring bandits and other criminal elements.

He said the State Government is confident that enhanced synergy among security agencies, local communities and other relevant stakeholders would further strengthen efforts to take the fight to criminal hideouts and restore lasting peace across the State.

According to him, the latest operational developments are the outcome of the relentless efforts of His Excellency, the Executive Governor of Kebbi State, Comrade Dr Nasir Idris, Kauran Gwandu, and his persistent advocacy for additional security deployments, backed by the requisite manpower, equipment and armament to address the peculiar and evolving security challenges confronting the State.

He assured that the Kebbi State Government would continue to provide the necessary support and cooperation to all security agencies operating in the State as they discharge their constitutional responsibilities of protecting lives and property and combating criminality.

The Commissioner called on the people of Kebbi State to continue to cooperate fully with security agencies by promptly providing credible and useful information on the activities, locations and movements of bandits, insurgents and other criminal elements.

He also urged residents to remain vigilant against individuals who may provide information or other forms of support to criminals, stressing that such activities undermine the collective efforts to maintain peace and security.

He emphasised that the people have an important role to play in the fight against criminality by providing reliable intelligence to security agencies, noting that sustained public cooperation remains essential to achieving lasting peace and stability.

He urged the youths of Kebbi State to eschew violence and all forms of criminal conduct, stressing that peace and stability are essential for the Government to sustain its development efforts, strengthen the State’s economy and provide the infrastructure required for long-term growth.

He cautioned that the destruction of public property and other criminal activities would only undermine development, damage the economy and ultimately make life more difficult for citizens.