Odita Sunday 
Army Activates 28 Armoured Brigade In Kebbi, Assures Residents Of Stronger Security
By Odita Sunday
Residents of Kebbi State are set to see a stronger military presence in their communities following the operationalisation of 28 Armoured Brigade and Garrison in Birnin Kebbi, alongside 281 Tank Battalion in Yauri and 381 Artillery Regiment in Kaoje.
The move comes against the backdrop of security concerns in parts of the state, with the Nigerian Army assuring residents that the new formations will strengthen its ability to respond to threats and protect vulnerable communities.
The Acting Deputy Director, Army Public Relations, 8 Division, Nigerian Army, Lieutenant Colonel Olaniyi Osoba, disclosed this in a statement on September 28, 2026.
The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, was represented at the event by the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 8 Division Nigerian Army and Commander, Sector 2 Joint Task Force (North West) Operation FANSAN YAMMA, Major General Bemgba Paul Koughna.
Koughna said the establishment of the brigade was part of the Army’s effort to expand its operational presence, strengthen command and control and reduce response time to security threats across the North-West.
He charged the Acting Commander of 28 Brigade, Colonel Abdullahi Umar, to use the new formation to provide essential fire support and strengthen ongoing operations in Kebbi State.
The GOC said the task was particularly important in confronting threats from criminal elements and protecting communities affected by insecurity.
But beyond the military formations and operational plans, Koughna had a direct message for residents of Jandutse, where a community member was recently killed in a bandit attack.
He commiserated with the community over the loss and assured residents that the military would increase its presence to improve their safety.
The assurance came as residents expressed appreciation to the GOC for his continued efforts to improve security across Kebbi State.
Koughna also reminded the troops that the success of the new deployment would depend not only on firepower, but on discipline, professionalism and cooperation with other security stakeholders.
He urged them to maintain tactical focus, work closely with other security agencies, obey the Rules of Engagement and protect law-abiding citizens while carrying out their constitutional duties.
With the new formations now operational, the Army said the objective is to bring its response closer to communities and strengthen ongoing efforts to keep residents and their property safe across Kebbi State.
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