By: Odeh Favour Adiya
The Acting Commander of 1 Brigade, Nigerian Army, Colonel Joseph Umaru, has charged commanders and troops under the Brigade’s Area of Responsibility in Kebbi State to step up intelligence-led operations aimed at denying bandits and other criminal elements freedom of action.
Umaru gave the charge during his maiden familiarisation tour of units in the state from September 8 to 9, 2026, according to a post on the official X handle of the Nigerian Army on Thursday.
During the two-day tour, the army chief visited the 223 Light Tank Battalion in Zuru, the COAS Intervention Battalion (CIB) III in Sakaba, and 1 Battalion in Birnin Kebbi.
According to the Acting Commander, the familiarisation visit aimed to gain first-hand knowledge of the operational environment, assess troops’ readiness and welfare, and strengthen command effectiveness in the ongoing fight against insecurity.
While receiving the commander at the 223 Light Tank Battalion in Zuru, the Commanding Officer, Lieutenant Colonel SS Dadirep, briefed Colonel Umaru on the prevailing security situation, ongoing operations, operational readiness, and challenges confronting the unit.
Addressing the personnel, the Acting Commander emphasised that 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, units must strengthen intelligence-led operations through enhanced intelligence gathering, information sharing, and cooperation with sister security agencies, local authorities, and other relevant stakeholders,” Umaru stated.
“For sustained, coordinated, and proactive operations to deny bandits and other criminal elements freedom of action, commanders and troops must remain professional and adhere strictly to the rules of engagement and protection of civilians,” he stressed.
