.Vows to eliminate bandits in Taraba
The Army has said that terrorists that were dislodged in the Northeast and Northwest have started resurfacing in Niger State.
Also, the Army 6 Brigade, headquartered in Jalingo, has declared commitment to eradicate bandits, including kidnappers, and other criminal elements in Taraba State.
The Commander, Training and Doctrine Command, Nigerian Army (TRADOC), Maj-Gen. Kelvin Aligbe, revealed this in his keynote at the 2023 West African Social Activities (WASA), held at 31 Artillery Parade Ground, Military Cantonment, Minna, on Wednesday.
Represented by the Commander, Headquarters 31 Artillery, Brig-Gen. Hamidu Bobbo, the TRADOC boss further hinted that terrorists have also spread to some parts of Niger to continue carrying out their dastardly acts.
According to Aligbe, TRADOC and Headquarters 31 Brigade have continued to contribute troops to the ongoing Operation Hadin Kai (OPHK) in the Northeast and Operation Hadarin Daji (OPHD) in the Northwest.
He noted that troops of Defence Headquarters Special Operations Force (DHQ SOF) and 18 Brigade were involved in various internal security operations within Niger, which yielded tremendous results.
“Despite these achievements, there still exist threats of security of the nation at large, particularly here in Niger,” he said.
He urged the military personnel, their family members, and civilian friends to be more vigilant to nip in the bud any nefarious plan of miscreants in the society.
Aligbe, however, assured Nigerians that the war against terrorism is progressing steadily and effectively and lauded the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), L-Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, for his untiring and unrelenting material and financial support to the cantonment.
Earlier, the Chief of Doctrine and Combat Development, Maj-Gen. Jamiu Jimoh, who was the special guest of honour for the 2023 WASA, expressed delight over the landmark successes recorded by the Army in the fight against terrorists and other criminal elements disturbing the peace of the citizenry.
The troops are battle-ready to confront terrorists and criminals in their hideouts in different parts of the country, he added.
Jamiu reassured that the Army under Lagbaja would continue to support President Bola Tinubu’s programmes and policies to protect life and property of all Nigerians.
In his vote of thanks, Bobbo appreciated the special guest of honour for finding time to personally grace the event, despite his tight schedule.
Army 6 Brigade Commander, Maj-Gen. Frank Etim, announced the commitment to eradicate bandits during the Combined 6 Brigade and 114 Battalion (Rear) WAS) 2023 in Jalingo, yesterday.
Etim assured the public of the brigade’s dedication to providing ample security for Taraba residents.
He expressed gratitude to the locals for their cooperation and support, particularly in promptly reporting the movement of bandits and other criminals.
The commander also acknowledged the state government’s backing in effectively responding to security threats.
Encouraging the officers and men in the brigade to intensify their efforts, Etim emphasised the significance of WASA as an acknowledgment of their achievements in the previous year.
Commending the COAS for ensuring the Army fulfilled its duties, Etim thanked General Officer Commanding (GOC), 3 Armoured Division Jos, Maj-Gen. Abdulsalami Abubakar, for aiding the brigade in providing timely and adequate security to the citizens.
Governor Agbu Kefas of Taraba, represented by the Deputy Governor, Aminu Alkali, applauded the brigade for curbing insecurity in the state.
Kefas attributed the prevailing peace to the efforts of the Army, emphasising the role of a safe and secure environment in peaceful coexistence among diverse ethnic groups.
