The Nigerian Army has operationalised 28 Armoured Brigade and Garrison in Birnin Kebbi, alongside 281 Tank Battalion in Yauri and 381 Artillery Regiment in Kaoje, as part of efforts to strengthen security operations and protect vulnerable communities across Kebbi State.

The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, said the deployment was part of the Army’s strategy to optimise its force structure, expand its operational presence, strengthen command and control, and improve response times to security threats across the North-West.

Shaibu, represented by the General Officer Commanding 8 Division and Commander, Sector 2 Joint Task Force (North West), Operation FANSAN YAMMA, Major General Bemgba Paul Koughna, charged the Acting Commander of 28 Brigade, Colonel Abdullahi Umar, to ensure that the new formation provides effective fire support and contributes to ongoing security operations within the division’s area of responsibility.

Koughna said the deployment was particularly aimed at addressing threats posed by criminal elements and other security challenges in Kebbi State.

He urged troops to maintain discipline, professionalism and tactical focus while adhering strictly to the Rules of Engagement and protecting law-abiding citizens in the discharge of their constitutional responsibilities.

The GOC also stressed the importance of cooperation among security agencies and other stakeholders, noting that sustained peace would require effective coordination and synergy.

During the visit, Koughna commiserated with residents of Jandutse community over the recent death of a resident in a bandit attack. He assured the community of an increased military presence to enhance the safety of residents.

The residents expressed appreciation for the Army’s continued efforts to improve security in Jandutse and across Kebbi State.

By David Torough, Abuja

The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt. Gen. Waidi Shaibu, has reaffirmed the Nigerian Army’s commitment to safeguarding critical energy infrastructure and strengthening partnerships that support Nigeria’s economic growth and national development.

The COAS stated this on Wednesday, 23 September 2026, when the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Renaissance Africa Energy Company Limited, Tony Attah, led a delegation on a courtesy visit to Army Headquarters, Abuja.

Lieutenant General Shaibu described energy security as an important component of national security, noting that the protection of strategic energy assets is essential to sustaining industrial productivity, economic stability and national development.

The Army Chief also underscored the importance of sustained engagement between energy companies and their host communities. He commended Renaissance Africa Energy for its efforts towards building constructive relationships with communities within its areas of operation, stressing that mutual trust, dialogue and shared interests remain vital to promoting peace and stability.

Lieutenant General Shaibu further noted that the ongoing expansion and transformation of the Nigerian Army would strengthen its operational reach and responsiveness to emerging security challenges. He explained that the expansion of formations, supported by improvements in manpower, infrastructure and capabilities, would enhance the Army’s capacity to protect critical national assets and support the Federal Government’s broader development objectives.

The Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Renaissance Africa Energy Company Limited, Tony Attah, commended officers and soldiers of the Nigerian Army for their sacrifices in securing the country and protecting strategic economic assets, particularly in challenging operational environments.

He acknowledged the importance of a secure operating environment to the sustainability of the energy sector and pledged the company’s continued commitment to advancing energy security, indigenous capacity development and industrialisation in Nigeria.

By David Torough, Abuja

The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Waidi Shaibu, has reiterated the Nigerian Army’s commitment to strengthening operational readiness, mobility and personnel welfare as the Army Women Command (NAWC), Giri, Abuja, operationalised four refurbished coaster buses and inaugurated its renovated Soldiers’ Club, known as the Nightingale Club.

Shaibu stated this on Monday at a ceremony held at the command, where he was represented by the Acting Director, Army Public Relations, Col.

The COAS described the refurbishment of the vehicles as a demonstration of the Nigerian Army’s commitment to enhancing operational readiness and the effectiveness of its troops.

He said serviceable and reliable vehicles remained critical to military operations, particularly for the timely movement of personnel, equipment and logistics.

According to him, the availability of operational vehicles would significantly enhance the command’s capacity to respond promptly and effectively whenever required.

“Mobility remains a critical component of military effectiveness, particularly in the timely movement of personnel, equipment and logistics,” he said.

Shaibu urged personnel entrusted with the vehicles to regard them as valuable government assets and ensure their proper maintenance, responsible handling and strict adherence to laid-down regulations.

He directed commanders at all levels to ensure that maintenance schedules were observed and that the vehicles were used strictly for authorised military purposes.

The COAS also highlighted the importance of personnel welfare, stressing that a military organisation could not be sustained by equipment alone, but also required the morale, welfare and cohesion of its personnel.

He said the renovated Nightingale Club would provide personnel and their families with a conducive environment for relaxation, recreation, social interaction and the strengthening of esprit de corps.

Shaibu urged personnel to maintain high standards of military conduct while using the facility and ensure that it remained a worthy representation of the professionalism and traditions of the Nigerian Army.

He commended the officers, soldiers, civilian staff, contractors and other stakeholders who contributed to the projects, noting that their efforts demonstrated what could be achieved through effective leadership, prudent resource management and collective commitment.

The COAS urged the command to sustain a culture of maintenance, accountability, discipline and responsible management of resources.

Earlier, the Commander, NAWC, Brig.-Gen. Mohammed Adamu, said the projects were undertaken in line with the COAS’s Command Philosophy of ensuring operational readiness and putting soldiers’ welfare at the centre of command responsibilities.

Adamu recalled that the command had previously held a similar ceremony on June 25, 2026, during which 12 vehicles, comprising two coaster buses and 10 operational vehicles, were re-operationalised. A tree-planting exercise was also conducted as part of efforts to address environmental challenges affecting the command.

He explained that one of the command’s major responsibilities was to remain operationally ready to support the Nigerian Army whenever called upon.

Adamu cited the deployment of a company from the command to Plateau State on April 14, 2026, following security challenges in the state, as an example of the importance of operational mobility.

According to him, the Chief of Army Staff directed the deployment and the command was able to mobilise the troops promptly because it had the necessary operational mobility and other enablers in place.

He said the experience reinforced the need for all vehicles belonging to the command to remain serviceable and ready for deployment at short notice.

It was against this background, he said, that four coaster buses that had previously been in deplorable condition were refurbished and operationalised to improve the command’s capacity to transport personnel and respond to operational assignments.

The commander also explained that the rehabilitation of the Soldiers’ Club was undertaken as part of the Army’s Soldiers First concept.

He said the facility had previously been in a poor state, with inadequate lighting and deplorable sanitary conditions, making it unsuitable for soldiers to relax or receive guests.

According to him, the complete overhaul of the facility has now provided soldiers with a more conducive environment for relaxation, social interaction and the reception of guests.

Adamu stressed that the welfare of soldiers must remain a priority at every level of command.

He said the emphasis was no longer simply on officers, but on ensuring that soldiers were adequately cared for because their welfare and motivation were essential to effective military performance.

“The narrative is changing now. It is not about the officers; it is about the soldiers first,” he said.

He urged commanders to pay attention to the basic welfare needs of personnel, including where they sleep, eat, drink and live, stressing that motivated soldiers were better positioned to perform their assigned responsibilities effectively.

The commander assured the personnel that the welfare of soldiers remained a priority under the leadership of the Chief of Army Staff and urged commanders at all levels to uphold the Soldiers First principle.

Highlights of the ceremony was the formal commissioning of the refurbished vehicles and the renovated Nightingale Club for use by the command, with the COAS calling on personnel to ensure that the facilities were properly maintained and utilised in accordance with extant regulations.