Sani Haruna
The Kebbi State Government has welcomed the decision by the Nigerian Army Headquarters to strengthen its presence in the state through the establishment and operationalisation of three strategic military formations.
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The Commissioner for Information and Culture, Alhaji Yakubu Ahmed BK, stated this in a statement issued in Kebbi, describing the development as a welcome step towards addressing security challenges confronting the state and the country.
He said the move demonstrated the Nigerian Army’s commitment to strengthening security operations and improving its response to emerging threats.
Alhaji Yakubu Ahmed described the establishment of the 28 Armoured Brigade and Garrison in Birnin Kebbi as a decisive step towards enhancing operational capacity and ensuring a timely response to security threats within Kebbi and adjoining areas of neighbouring states.
The Commissioner also acknowledged the contributions of other security agencies, including the Nigeria Police Force, Department of State Services, DSS, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, NSCDC, as well as hunters and community-based vigilante groups, to the protection of 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 counter-insurgency and combat operations in the state.
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According to him, the latest developments followed what he described as sustained efforts by Governor Nasir Idris to secure additional military deployments, supported by adequate manpower, equipment and armament.
Alhaji Yakubu Ahmed said the Governor’s advocacy was aimed at addressing the peculiar and evolving security challenges confronting Kebbi State.
He assured that the state government would continue to provide the necessary support and cooperation to security agencies operating in the state.
The Commissioner said such cooperation was necessary to enable the agencies discharge their constitutional responsibilities of protecting lives and property and combating criminality.
He commended Governor Nasir Idris for what he described as responsive and result-oriented leadership, which he said had contributed to the progress recorded across the state.
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Alhaji Yakubu Ahmed also urged residents to continue cooperating with security agencies by providing credible and timely information on the activities, locations and movements of bandits, insurgents and other criminal elements.
He stressed that public cooperation remained essential to ongoing efforts to improve security and maintain peace across Kebbi State.