The newly appointed Commander of the 22 Armoured Brigade, Sobi Cantonment, Ilorin, Brigadier General Ezra Barkins, has formally assumed duty and pledged to intensify military operations against banditry and other criminal activities across Kwara and Niger States. During the official handover ceremony, he assured that the Nigerian Army under his leadership would maintain a firm and proactive stance against violent groups threatening peace in the North-Central region. He described the fight against insecurity as a national duty requiring sustained coordination among all security agencies and support from local communities.
Operational Strategy and Recent Successes
Brigadier General Barkins said the brigade will adopt a more aggressive posture by conducting joint patrols, raiding hideouts, and disrupting the supply chains of criminals operating around Kainji Forest, which borders Kwara and Niger States. His appointment follows directives from the Chief of Army Staff to reclaim areas in Baruten, Kaiama, and Borgu Local Government Areas from bandit control. Recent reports highlighted an operation in Babana, Borgu LGA, where troops neutralised bandits and recovered weapons, reinforcing the brigade’s commitment to restoring security.
Collaboration, Challenges, and the Road Ahead
The commander emphasized closer cooperation with traditional leaders and residents to improve intelligence gathering and early warnings, while pledging to enhance troop welfare, training, and logistics. He reaffirmed the army’s dedication to protecting lives and key economic routes, urging citizens to cooperate with security agencies. Analysts view the brigade’s role as strategically vital, but caution that lasting success depends on addressing underlying social and economic issues such as unemployment, rural poverty, and illegal mining. Brigadier General Barkins concluded with a call for unity, discipline, and vigilance among officers and men to uphold the army’s mission of peace restoration.
