17 Brigade Nigerian Army seeks reinforcement to crush bandits in Katsina
By Trek Africa Newspaper
The Commander of the 17 Brigade Nigerian Army, Brigadier General BO Omopariola, has called on the Army Headquarters to facilitate the development of additional fighting vehicles, artillery ammunition, protective gear and other support weapons to enhance the brigade’s operational capabilities in curbing banditry in Katsina State.
The Commander made this request on Wednesday when a team of defence correspondents led by Group Captain Ibrahim Bukar visited the Brigade Headquarters in Katsina as part of a 4-day media tour to Operation FANSAN YAMMA in the North West.
The team was sent by the Defence Headquarters to have an on-the-spot assessment of the operational activities and achievements within the theatre.
Brigadier General Omopariola, while briefing the team highlighted the Brigade’s achievements since its establishment in 2016, including conducting several operations that contributed to the degradation of terrorist activities in Katsina.
He said the Brigade has also dominated its Area of Responsibility (AOR), ensuring a secure environment for locals to carry out their socio-economic activities without fear of threats.
He noted that despite facing enormous challenges, including an acute shortage of manpower and limited operational resources, the Brigade has continually conducted operations across the 34 local governments in Katsina State and its adjoining states, including the Niger Republic to curtail the activities of terrorists.
According to him, the operations have resulted in the neutralization of many terrorists, the construction of their camps, the recovery of weapons, and the rescue of kidnapped victims.
He said the Brigade is currently facing several challenges that are affecting its operational capabilities.
According to General Omopariola, the current strength of the Brigade and units under its command is insufficient to cover its vast Area of Responsibility (AOR). This shortage in manpower is adversely affecting the Brigade’s ability to perform its routine and operational duties efficiently.
He added that about 35% of the barracks’ accommodations in Natsinta Cantonment are in a dilapidated or uninhabitable state, posing a challenge to the Brigade’s personnel.
Despite the challenges facing the Brigade, Brigadier General Omopariola maintained that it has recorded several significant achievements in its efforts to maintain peace and security in its AOR.
He said the Brigade has revived collaborative security meetings with other security agencies in Katsina State, fostering information and intelligence sharing to enhance response time and curtail terrorist activities.
The Commander added that the Brigade successfully deployed troops to secure the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) air assets in Katsina Airport, ensuring the protection of these critical assets.
Similarly, the Brigade has established new locations at Tashan Bawa in Sabuwa LGA and Mabai in Kankara LGA, severely curtailing terrorist activities in these areas.
He said the Brigade has upgraded the 17 Brigade Medical Center (BMC) facilities, including the installation of a Digital Health Record (DHR) system, construction of an Accident and Emergency Department, and renovation of the dental department.
The Commander noted that over 50 bandit groups with varying affiliations, agendas, and tactics are operating in the state, but the brigade remains undeterred and continues to work with other security agencies to develop contingencies to deal with emerging threats.
“Some specialise in cattle rustling, while some kidnap for ransom. Some others actualise for both.
“Nevertheless, the Brigade remains undeterred and continues to synergise with sister services and other security agencies to develop contingencies to deal with the current and emerging threats as they present in the AOR,” he noted.
He called on the Army Headquarters to provide additional support to enhance its operational capabilities. Specifically, the brigade requests additional fighting vehicles, protective gear, artillery ammunition, and support weapons. The brigade also requests assistance in renovating its accommodations and addressing its manpower shortages.
In his remarks ,the team leader , Group Captain Ibrahim Bukar thanked the Commander and the personnel for a warm welcome given to them, noting that the visit to the Brigade is to have the first hand assessment on the operational achievement and challenges being faced by the Brigade as well as enhanced media collaboration with Brigade.
Enugu Reporters reports that by addressing these challenges, the 17 Brigade Nigerian Army will be better equipped to maintain peace and security in its AOR and to protect the lives and properties of the people of Katsina State.
