NIGERIAN ARMY ACTIVATES THREE NEW BATTALIONS IN ZAMFARA STATE

The Nigerian Army has operationalised three new Infantry Battalions in Zamfara State as part of ongoing efforts to expand its security presence, improve operational coverage and strengthen rapid response to security threats across the state. The newly activated units are the 12 Infantry Battalion in Bakura, 23 Infantry Battalion in Kaura Namoda and 28 Infantry Battalion in Anka.

The Army said the battalions will assume responsibility for their respective Areas of Responsibility (AORs), bringing military personnel and operational capabilities closer to communities within the three locations. The move is expected to enhance the military’s ability to respond more quickly to emerging security incidents and sustain operations in affected areas.  

The activation ceremonies were conducted under the 8 Division Nigerian Army and Sector 2 Joint Task Force, North West, Operation FANSAN YAMMA. The General Officer Commanding 8 Division and Commander of Sector 2 Joint Task Force, Major General B.P. Koughna, was represented by the Acting Commander, 1 Brigade, Colonel Joseph Umaru.

Umaru reaffirmed the Army’s commitment to protecting law-abiding residents and sustaining security operations in Zamfara. He stressed that achieving lasting peace would require cooperation among the military, other security agencies, traditional institutions and local communities.

He therefore called on residents to provide timely, credible and actionable intelligence to security agencies, noting that information from communities can assist troops in identifying threats and responding to them more effectively.

The newly deployed troops were also charged to maintain discipline, professionalism and operational vigilance while carrying out their constitutional responsibilities. They were instructed to operate in accordance with established Rules of Engagement and maintain close engagement with the communities within their areas of responsibility.  

Traditional rulers in the three locations welcomed the development. The Emir of Bakura, Alhaji Bello Sani; Emir of Anka, Alhaji Attahiru Muhammad Ahmad; and Emir of Kaura Namoda, Major Dr Sanusi Mohammed Ahmed (rtd.) commended the Army for establishing the additional battalions.

The monarchs pledged the continued support of traditional institutions, particularly through community mobilisation, public awareness and information sharing with security agencies.  

The activation of the three battalions represents an expansion of the Army’s operational footprint in Zamfara, with the immediate focus on improving security coverage and response capabilities in Bakura, Kaura Namoda and Anka. The effectiveness of the deployment will also depend on sustained coordination between military formations, other security agencies and local communities.