The Kebbi State Government has welcomed the decision of the Nigerian Army Headquarters to strengthen its presence in the State through the establishment and operationalisation of three strategic military formations.
In a statement issued to journalists on Monday in Birnin Kebbi, the Commissioner for Information and Culture, Yakubu Ahmed, said 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.
Mr Yakubu also acknowledged the commendable contributions of other security agencies, including the Nigeria Police Force, the Department of State Services, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, 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 operationalization 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 the Governor of Kebbi State, 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.
