Insecurity: Nigerian Army Activates 3 New Infantry Battalions in Zamfara State
Zamfara State’s battle against armed terrorists has gotten a major boost with the operationalisation of three new Infantry Battalions in the state.
The newly activated units include the 12 Infantry Battalion in Bakura, the 23 Infantry Battalion in Kaura Namoda, and the 28 Infantry Battalion in Anka.
According to military authorities, the deployments are strategically designed to guarantee rapid response, expand operational coverage, and secure their respective Areas of Responsibility (AOR) amid ongoing security challenges in the region.
According to a statement released by Captain Yusuf Mohammed, the Acting Assistant Director of Army Public Relations for the 1 Brigade, Nigerian Army, the activation ceremonies were conducted by Colonel Joseph Umaru, the Acting Commander of the 1 Brigade who represented Major General BP Koughna, the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 8 Division Nigerian Army and Commander of Sector 2 Joint Task Force (North West) Operation FANSAN YAMMA.
Colonel Umaru reaffirmed the military’s unwavering commitment to sustaining aggressive operations and ensuring the absolute protection of law-abiding citizens. He noted that achieving lasting peace requires a synchronized, multi-stakeholder effort.
“Lasting peace requires a synchronised effort combining the military, security agencies, traditional institutions, and the general public,” Umaru emphasized.
He further called on the residents of Zamfara State to continuously support security agencies by providing timely, credible, and actionable intelligence.
Addressing the newly deployed troops, Colonel Umaru charged them to maintain strict discipline, professionalism, and operational vigilance, in strict accordance with their constitutional mandate and established Rules of Engagement.
The development has been warmly received by local traditional leaders whose subjects have borne the brunt of bandits. In their respective remarks, the Emir of Bakura, Alhaji Bello Sani; the Emir of Anka, Alhaji Attahiru Muhammad Ahmad; and the Emir of Kaura Namoda, Major Dr. Sanusi Mohammed Ahmed Asha (rtd), commended the leadership of the Nigerian Army.
The monarchs described the establishment of the additional battalions as a crucial milestone toward restoring normalcy and safety across local communities.
They assured the Nigerian Army of the full cooperation and backing of the traditional institution, particularly through community mobilization and active information sharing.
