Army operationalises 28 Armoured Brigade in Kebbi, strengthens security presence in North-West

By: Zagazola Makama

The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt. Gen. Waidi Shaibu, has formally 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 military presence and security operations in Kebbi State.

The COAS, represented by the General Officer Commanding (GOC), 8 Division Nigerian Army and Commander, Sector 2, Joint Task Force (North-West), Operation FANSAN YAMMA, Maj. Gen. Bemgba Paul Koughna, said the new formations were established to enhance the Army’s operational capacity and improve response to emerging security threats across the North-West.

Maj. Gen. Koughna said the establishment of the brigade was in line with the Nigerian Army’s ongoing efforts to optimise its force structure, expand operational footprints, strengthen command and control and reduce response time to security incidents within the Division’s area of responsibility.

He charged the Acting Commander of 28 Brigade, Col. Abdullahi Umar, to ensure that the formation effectively provides the required fire-support capabilities to enhance ongoing operations across the Division.

The GOC said the deployment was particularly important in strengthening security operations in Kebbi State and addressing threats posed by armed criminal elements and other emerging security challenges.

He stressed that achieving lasting peace required discipline, tactical focus and effective cooperation among the military, other security agencies, traditional institutions and local communities.

Koughna also charged the troops to maintain high standards of professionalism and strictly adhere to the Rules of Engagement while carrying out their constitutional responsibilities.

He reminded the troops of the need to protect law-abiding citizens and ensure that their operations were conducted with due regard for civilian lives and property.

During the visit, the GOC also commiserated with residents of Jandutse community following the recent death of a resident in a bandit attack.

He assured the community that the Nigerian Army would increase its presence in the area as part of measures to improve the safety of residents and prevent further attacks.

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

The operationalisation of the new formations is expected to further strengthen the Nigerian Army’s footprint in Kebbi and enhance its capacity to conduct sustained operations against bandits and other criminal elements operating across the state.

Army operationalises 28 Armoured Brigade in Kebbi, strengthens security presence in North-West

8 cows killed, 74 stolen as suspected Mwaghavul militia attack herders in Mangu, says victims

By: Zagazola Makama

At least eight cows were reportedly killed, 17 others and two sheep injured, while 74 cattle were allegedly stolen during an attack by suspected armed Mwaghavul militia and their accomplices at Lamor, Lawet, in Pushit District of Mangu Local Government Area of Plateau State, according to victims

The incident reportedly occurred at about 8 p.m. on Sept. 27, 2026, according to information provided to Zagazola Makama.

Victims of the attack said the attackers, who were reportedly heavily armed, targeted livestock belonging to herders in the area before fleeing with the stolen cattle.

The incident has raised fresh concerns among residents and livestock owners in the area, particularly because it reportedly occurred about two weeks after another attack in which three herders were allegedly killed and about 50 cattle stolen.

The latest incident, if confirmed, would represent another serious escalation in attacks involving livestock and rural communities in Mangu, where recurring violence has continued to deepen mistrust between communities.

The Federal Government, Plateau State Government, Mangu Local Government Council and security agencies are urged to urgently investigate the reported attack, establish those responsible and take appropriate action in accordance with the law.

Security agencies should also strengthen surveillance and patrols around vulnerable settlements and livestock routes in the affected areas to prevent further attacks, cattle rustling and possible retaliatory violence.

The priority, however, should remain the protection of civilians, recovery of stolen livestock and prevention of another cycle of reprisal attacks that could further endanger both communities.

Residents and community leaders are equally urged to provide credible information to security agencies and avoid actions capable of escalating the situation.

8 cows killed, 74 stolen as suspected Mwaghavul militia attack herders in Mangu, says victims

Troops arrest wanted suspected cattle rustler in Mangu

By: Zagazola Makama

Troops of Sector 8, Sub-Sector 81, Operation Enduring Peace (OPEP), Gyambwas, have arrested a wanted suspected cattle rustler at Langai Pushit village in Mangu Local Government Area of Plateau State.

Security sources told Zagazola Makama that the arrest followed a report concerning the reappearance of the wanted suspect in the community.

The troops subsequently launched a tracking operation and, at about 3:30 p.m. on Sept. 27, 2026, arrested the suspect, identified as Muhammad Kabiru Saidu, 22.

The suspect was taken into military custody and is currently undergoing investigation.

Security personnel are expected to establish his alleged involvement in cattle rustling and determine whether he is connected to other criminal activities in the area.

The arrest forms part of ongoing security operations aimed at disrupting criminal networks and preventing cattle rustling and other related offences across vulnerable communities in Mangu and other parts of Plateau State.

Troops arrest wanted suspected cattle rustler in Mangu