New Army Division Will Deepen Security Across Taraba, Adamawa– Kefas

Governor Agbu Kefas of Taraba State has declared that the newly established Nigerian Army division in the state will deepen military dominance, consolidate ongoing security gains and strengthen protection across Taraba, Adamawa and other neighbouring areas.

Governor Kefas, who spoke after inspecting ongoing work at the proposed permanent site of the military formation, said the arrival of the division marked a major boost to the state’s security architecture amid persistent threats across parts of the North-East and North-Central regions.

The governor expressed satisfaction with the level of work at the facility and disclosed that efforts were underway to accelerate the provision of additional infrastructure required to enable the division commence operations.

He also revealed that, the state government had identified a temporary location that could accommodate the formation, if work at its permanent site was not completed before the deployment of personnel.

“The choice of a division in Taraba State cannot be overemphasised. I am happy and glad that security and intelligence analysis have given rise to the establishment of a division here,” Kefas said.

He commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, for approving the establishment of new Army divisions to address security challenges across the country.

According to the governor, the site inspected was initially designated as the permanent location of the Nigerian Army’s 6 Brigade but would require further expansion to accommodate a full-fledged division.

“We have gone there to assess the work that is ongoing, see how we can increase some of the infrastructure and ensure that the work is accelerated so that the division will have a place to commence operations,” he said.

Kefas added that, the General Officer Commanding (GOC) of the new division was expected to assume duty in the state soon.

He said the establishment of the formation would significantly expand the military’s operational reach and strengthen its capacity to secure the vast territory of Taraba and adjoining states.

“Having a division here means that we will have a greater level of dominance in terms of securing the environment. The division is not only for Taraba; it will also cover Adamawa State and some other areas,” the governor said.

Governor Kefas said the state government would sustain its ongoing security interventions and build on the progress already recorded, as the presence of the division would further boost public confidence and provide a more enduring security framework.

“What we have done on the ground will be sustained. The citizens already have more confidence in what we are doing in terms of security and they are enjoying the benefits. I believe the presence of the division will make these gains more permanent,” he added.

Speaking during the inspection, the Commander, 6 Brigade of the Nigerian Army, Brig.-Gen. Akintayo Alalero, described the establishment of the division as a strategic and welcome development, considering the state’s vast landmass and security responsibilities.

Brigadier General Alalero commended President Tinubu and the leadership of the Nigerian Army for approving the new formation, stressing that the development would strengthen military presence and improve operational coordination in the area.

“Taraba is the third-largest state in Nigeria, with a vast landmass. Therefore, the establishment of a division here is a welcome development,” he said.

The Brigade Commander said, the deployment of personnel and military assets to the new formation would be gradual and implemented in phases.

He, however, declined to disclose operational details, saying “the movement will be incremental and gradual. It will be done in phases, and we are currently at the stage where we should be,” Alalero said.