Linus Aleke in Abuja
(*83*) Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, has introduced plans by the Nigerian Army to operationalise the newly established 83 Division in Benin City as a part of efforts to sort out kidnapping and different rising safety threats in the world.
He reaffirmed the Nigerian Army’s dedication to increasing its pressure construction and strengthening its operational capabilities to handle rising safety challenges throughout the nation.
Lieutenant General Shaibu introduced the plan throughout a courtesy go to to the Governor of Edo State, Senator Monday Okpebholo, on the Government House in Benin City.
Meanwhile, troops of 18 Brigade have rescued 16 kidnapped individuals and recovered weapons, ammunition and logistics from terrorists and kidnappers in Niger State.
A significant spotlight of the COAS’s go to was his assurance that the newly established 83 Division, with its headquarters in Benin City, would quickly turn out to be operational.
According to a press release by the Acting Director of Army Public Relations, Colonel Appolonia Anele, the COAS defined that the Division kinds a part of the Nigerian Army’s ongoing growth from eight to 12 divisions.
“The expansion is aimed at strengthening military presence, improving command and control, and enhancing rapid responses to security threats across the country, particularly in Edo State and the wider South-South region,” the COAS stated.
(*83*) COAS added that his go to was additionally aimed toward assessing operational actions at Headquarters 4 Brigade and commissioning key Army tasks, together with the Affordable Home Ownership Option for Soldiers (AHOOAS) and Civil-Military Cooperation initiatives designed to enhance personnel welfare and strengthen relations with host communities.
In his remarks, Governor Okpebholo counseled the Nigerian Army for its professionalism and contributions to peace and safety in the state.
He assured the COAS of his administration’s continued help and collaboration in strengthening safety and sustaining stability.
“The operationalisation of 83 Division represents a significant milestone in the Nigerian Army’s force expansion drive and its determination to build a more responsive and operationally effective force,” Colonel Anele stated.
Meanwhile, troops of 18 Brigade have recorded operational successes in Niger State following intelligence stories on the motion of terrorists from Mashegu Local Government Area in the direction of Rijiyan Nagwamatse in Kontagora Local Government Area.
Acting on the intelligence, the troops established an ambush alongside suspected terrorist routes.
In a separate assertion, the Acting Assistant Director of Army Public Relations, 18 Brigade, Captain Adebayo Adewumi, stated the troops made contact with the criminals, who had earlier kidnapped residents of the world, neutralising an unconfirmed variety of them and rescuing 16 victims.
He famous that gadgets recovered through the ambush included two AK-47 rifles, seven magazines, three RPG high-explosive anti-personnel bombs, 33 bikes, assorted ammunition and N4,105,000 in money.
“In a associated operation on 3 November 2026, troops intercepted terrorists shifting from Makuku Village in Sakaba Local Government Area of Kebbi State in the direction of Tungan Kawo in Rijau Local Government Area of Niger State. (*83*) troops engaged the criminals in a fierce firefight, forcing them to retreat into the encompassing forest with various levels of gunshot wounds.
“A subsequent search of the area led to the recovery of five motorcycles, a mobile phone, N644,300 and other sundry items. The 16 rescued victims have received first aid and have been handed over to the appropriate authorities for reunification with their families, while recovered items remain in military custody for further action,” the assertion stated.
(*83*) Commander, 18 Brigade, counseled the troops for his or her gallantry, resilience and dedication to responsibility, urging them to maintain the operational momentum and intensify efforts to rid the Brigade’s Area of Responsibility of prison parts.
(*83*) improvement highlights the Nigerian Army’s efforts to strengthen its operational capability by the growth of its formations, enhanced army presence and improved responsiveness to safety threats. These measures are aimed toward defending communities and disrupting the logistics and actions of prison networks.
