THE ACTING COMMANDER 1 BRIGADE CONDUCTS MAIDEN FAMILIARISATION TOUR OF UNITS IN KEBBI STATE

THE ACTING COMMANDER 1 BRIGADE CONDUCTS MAIDEN FAMILIARISATION TOUR OF UNITS IN KEBBI STATE

The Acting Commander, 1 Brigade Nigerian Army Colonel Joseph Umaru conducted his maiden familiarisation tour of units under 1 Brigade’s Area of Responsibility in Kebbi State, as part of his deliberate effort to gain first hand knowledge of the operational environment, assess troops’ readiness / welfare and strengthen command effectiveness across the Brigade towards the fight against insecurity. The two-day tour, conducted from 8–9 September 2026, took the Acting Commander to 223 Light Tank Battalion Zuru, COAS Intervention Battalion (CIB) III Sakaba, and 1 Battalion, Birnin Kebbi, where he engaged commanders and troops on operational realities and challenges confronting the units.

In pursuit of these command objectives, Col Umaru commenced the tour at 223 Light Tank Battalion, Zuru, where the Commanding Officer, Lt Col SS Dadirep briefed the Ag Comd on the prevailing security situation, ongoing operations, operational readiness and key challenges. The Acting Commander subsequently inspected selected facilities and interacted with officers and soldiers, using the engagement to appreciate their commitment, resilience and sacrifices in the discharge of assigned missions.

Having assessed the operational situation at Zuru, the Acting Commander proceeded to CIB III Sakaba, where the Commanding Officer, Lt Col BZ Stephen briefed him on the unit’s operational activities, security situation and prevailing challenges. The engagement further enabled the Ag Comd to broaden his appreciation of the security dynamics within the Bde’s AOR and assess the effectiveness of ongoing measures to counter threats in the area.

Drawing from the operational assessments across the units, He charged the CO’s to translate their understanding of the environment into firm, purposeful and responsive leadership. He directed them to maintain high standards of discipline, vigilance and combat readiness, while remaining proactive, decisive and adaptable in countering the evolving tactics of bandits and other criminal elements.

Beyond operational effectiveness, the Ag Comd emphasised the welfare and motivation of troops remain fundamental to mission success. He further directed the Commanding Officers to fully embrace the Chief of Army Staff’s “Soldiers First” mantra by prioritising the welfare, motivation, training and professional development of personnel. He stressed that troops who are properly led, motivated and equipped are better positioned to sustain operational pressure and accomplish assigned tasks.

In line with this leadership emphasis, Col Umaru further directed the units to strengthen intelligence-led operations through enhanced intelligence gathering, information sharing and cooperation with sister security agencies, local authorities and other relevant stakeholders. He stressed the need for sustained, coordinated and proactive operations to deny bandits and other criminal elements freedom of action, while urging commanders and troops to remain professional and adhere strictly to the rules of engagement and protection of civilians.