Army Activates New Battalions to Boost Security in Zamfara 

The Nigerian Army has activated three new Infantry Battalions in Zamfara State to expand its operational coverage and strengthen its response to security threats.

The newly operational units are the 12 Infantry Battalion in Bakura, the 23 Infantry Battalion in Kaura Namoda, and the 28 Infantry Battalion in Anka, according to a statement issued on Tuesday by the Acting Assistant Director, Army Public Relations, 1 Brigade, Nigerian Army, Gusau.

The battalions will be responsible for securing their respective Areas of Responsibility and are expected to improve the Army’s ability to respond rapidly to emerging threats.

Speaking at the activation ceremonies, the General Officer Commanding 8 Division Nigerian Army and Commander, Sector 2 Joint Task Force, North West, Operation FANSAN YAMMA, Major General BP Koughna, represented by the Acting Commander, 1 Brigade, Colonel Joseph Umaru, reaffirmed the Army’s commitment to strengthening security operations in Zamfara.

Umaru said the military would continue working to protect law-abiding residents, while stressing that lasting security would require cooperation between security agencies, traditional institutions and local communities.

He urged residents to support security efforts by providing timely, credible and actionable intelligence.

The commander also charged the newly deployed troops to maintain discipline, professionalism and operational vigilance while carrying out their constitutional duties and complying with established Rules of Engagement.

The traditional rulers in the three communities welcomed the establishment of the battalions.

The Emir of Bakura, Alhaji Bello Sani; Emir of Anka, Alhaji Attahiru Muhammad Ahmad; and Emir of Kaura Namoda, Maj. Dr Sanusi Mohammed Ahmed (rtd), commended the Army for deploying additional troops to the areas.

They described the deployments as an important step towards restoring normalcy and improving security in communities across Zamfara.

The monarchs also pledged continued support from traditional institutions, particularly through community mobilisation and information sharing.

The Army said the new battalions would strengthen its operations and improve its capacity to respond quickly to security threats within their respective areas of responsibility.