Military
Army Chief tasks 18 brigade troops on intensified operations, approves new accommodation
Army Chief tasks 18 brigade troops on intensified operations, approves new accommodation
By: Zagazola Makama
The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Waidi Shaibu, has approved the construction of additional accommodation and the renovation of administrative buildings at the Headquarters of 18 Brigade, Nigerian Army, Niger State, as part of measures to improve troop welfare and operational efficiency.
Shaibu made the disclosure on Tuesday while addressing officers and soldiers of the brigade during an operational visit to the formation.
The Army Chief said the decision followed a detailed briefing by the brigade and divisional commanders, who highlighted accommodation and infrastructure challenges affecting personnel at the headquarters.
“I have listened to the briefing from your commanders, particularly on the challenges you are facing in terms of accommodation.
“We have approved the construction of additional accommodation, as well as the renovation and remodification of some of your administrative blocks, to ameliorate these challenges,” he said.
Shaibu stressed that troop welfare and improved working conditions were critical to morale, discipline and operational effectiveness, adding that the army leadership remained committed to providing a conducive environment for soldiers and their families.
He said the welfare interventions would also serve as a force multiplier as the Nigerian Army intensified offensive operations against bandits and other criminal elements operating within the brigade’s area of responsibility.
“Most importantly, the conduct of operations to rid this area of marauding bandits and miscreants will be strengthened.
“We are going to enhance the capabilities of this brigade to conduct more offensive operations, which you will be participating in,” the COAS said.
Shaibu charged the troops to remain combat-ready and mentally prepared for sustained operations, reminding them that offensive action remained the core duty of soldiering.
“As soldiers, once the enabling environment and combat enablers are provided, you must go out and do what soldiers are trained to do.
“You have the training, you have the experience, and you have the commanders who will lead you to carry out the operations you are supposed to do,” he said.
The army chief urged the soldiers to maintain discipline and professionalism, advising them to listen to their officers and commanders in the conduct of operations.
“Listen to your officers. They will lead you well to do the operations you are supposed to do,” he added.
Shaibu expressed appreciation to the troops for their sacrifices and commitment in safeguarding lives and property, acknowledging the support and resilience of their families.
“I appreciate all of you, and I appreciate your families. We are committed to ensuring that your barracks environment is more comfortable for you,” he said.
The COAS expressed confidence in the ability of 18 Brigade to deliver on its mandate, assuring the personnel of continuous support from the army leadership as operations are intensified to restore lasting peace and security in Niger State and adjoining areas.
He later invited questions from the troops, urging them to remain focused, disciplined and resolute in the discharge of their constitutional responsibilities.
Army Chief tasks 18 brigade troops on intensified operations, approves new accommodation
Nigerian Army activates three new battalions in Zamfara
By: Zagazola Makama
The Nigerian Army has operationalised three new Infantry Battalions in Zamfara State as part of efforts to strengthen security operations and enhance rapid response to emerging threats across the state.
The newly activated formations are the 12 Infantry Battalion, Bakura; 23 Infantry Battalion, Kaura Namoda; and 28 Infantry Battalion, Anka.
A statement by the General Officer Commanding 8 Division Nigerian Army and Commander, Sector 2, Joint Task Force, Operation FANSAN YAMMA, Maj.-Gen. B.P. Koughna, said the development would expand the Army’s operational coverage and improve security within the battalions’ respective Areas of Responsibility.
The statement, issued by the Acting Brigade Commander, Col. Umaru, said the Army remained committed to sustained operations aimed at protecting law-abiding citizens and restoring lasting peace across Zamfara.
Col. Umaru called for stronger collaboration among the military, other security agencies, traditional institutions and communities, stressing that timely and credible intelligence remained critical to successful security operations.
He also charged the newly deployed troops to maintain discipline, professionalism and vigilance while operating within their constitutional mandate and established Rules of Engagement.
The Acting Brigade Commander urged the troops to remain responsive to the security needs of the communities within their areas of responsibility and to sustain close engagement with local stakeholders.
In separate remarks, the Emirs of Bakura, Anka and Kaura Namoda commended the Nigerian Army for establishing the additional battalions.
The traditional rulers described the move as an important step towards strengthening security and restoring normalcy in communities across the state.
They pledged the continued support of traditional institutions through community mobilisation, cooperation and information sharing with security agencies.
The activation of the three battalions is expected to further enhance the Army’s presence and operational reach in Zamfara State, particularly in areas requiring faster response to security threats.
Nigerian Army activates three new battalions in Zamfara
GOC 3 Division engages Bokkos stakeholders over farmer-herder conflicts
By: Zagazola Makama
The General Officer Commanding 3 Division and Commander, Operation Enduring Peace, Maj. Gen. W.M. Dangana, has engaged district heads and other stakeholders in Bokkos Local Government Area of Plateau State as part of efforts to address recurring farmer-herder conflicts in the area.
Maj. Gen. Dangana arrived at the headquarters of Sector 5, Operation Enduring Peace, in Bokkos at about 1:00 p.m. on September 19, 2026, where he was received by the Sector Commander.
The GOC thereafter proceeded to the Palace of the Saf Bokkos, where he held an engagement meeting with district heads and other stakeholders from across the local government area.
The engagement formed part of ongoing non-kinetic efforts by the military and other stakeholders to address the underlying tensions between farming and herding communities and promote peaceful coexistence.
Discussions with traditional leaders and community stakeholders are expected to support the identification of local grievances, strengthen communication with security agencies and help prevent disputes from escalating into violence.
The engagement was conducted peacefully and without any incident.
GOC 3 Division engages Bokkos stakeholders over farmer-herder conflicts
Army committee inspects sites for new 237 Tank Battalion in Bauchi
By Zagazola Makama
A high-level military committee has inspected proposed locations for the establishment of the newly formed 237 Tank Battalion in Tafawa Balewa Local Government Area of Bauchi State.
The inspection was conducted on Sept. 17, 2026, by a committee led by the Commander, 33 Artillery Brigade, Brig.-Gen. S.S. Shehu.
The delegation included the Bauchi State Commissioner for Lands, the Chief Security Adviser to the Bauchi State Government and the Chairman of Tafawa Balewa Local Government Area, among other officials.
On arrival at the headquarters of Sector 8, Sub-Sector 82, Operation ENDURING PEACE, in Tafawa Balewa, the delegation was received by the Sub-Sector Commander, Maj. F. Ogunleke.
Ogunleke subsequently led the committee on an inspection of selected temporary facilities being considered to accommodate the battalion.
Among the facilities inspected were the ATBU Annex and the Government Girls Secondary School, Tafawa Balewa.
The committee also assessed two locations being considered for the permanent establishment of the battalion one in Tafawa Balewa and another in Murno, Boto District of the local government area.
The inspection ended at about 1:30 p.m., after which the committee proceeded to Toro for further engagements as part of the ongoing process for establishing the battalion.
The development is part of efforts to identify suitable facilities and locations for the operational deployment and long-term accommodation of the newly established military formation.
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