The Nigerian Army has activated three new Infantry Battalions in Zamfara to enhance rapid response capabilities and protect communities affected by banditry and kidnappings.
The newly activated units are 12 Infantry Battalion, 23 Infantry Battalion and 28 Infantry Battalion, located in Bakura, Kaura Namoda and Anka Local Government Areas respectively.
Speaking at the activation ceremony, the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 8 Division Nigerian Army and Commander, Sector II Joint Task Force Operation FANSAN YAMMA, Maj.-Gen. B.P. Koughna, reaffirmed the military’s commitment to sustaining operations and protecting law-abiding citizens.
Koughna, who was represented by the Acting Commander, I Brigade, Col. Joseph Umaru, said lasting peace required cooperation among the military, sister security agencies, traditional institutions and the general public.
He urged residents of Zamfara to support security agencies by providing timely and credible intelligence.
The GOC also appealed to traditional institutions, particularly the emirates in whose domains the battalions were located, to support the military.
He charged the newly deployed troops to maintain strict discipline, professionalism and operational vigilance in line with their constitutional mandate and established rules of engagement.
Meanwhile, the Emir of Bakura, Alhaji Bello Sani; the Emir of Anka, Alhaji Attahiru Ahmad; and the Emir of Kaura Namoda, retired Maj. Sanusi Asha, commended the Nigerian Army for establishing the additional battalions.
The traditional rulers described the deployment as a crucial milestone towards restoring normalcy and safety across communities.
They assured the military of the support and cooperation of traditional institutions through community mobilisation and information sharing.
