By Ben Ngwakwe, Gombe

The Gombe State Government has commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for approving the establishment of new Nigerian Army formations in the state.

The development is part of the ongoing expansion and restructuring of the Nigerian Army, which is expected to increase its divisions from eight to 12.

Under the new arrangement, the proposed 27 Armoured Brigade and its subordinate units will be established in Gombe State, a development the state government said would strengthen its security architecture and enhance military operations across the North-East.

The Brigade Headquarters and Garrison are proposed for Gombe town, while the 271 Tank Battalion is proposed for Bajoga and the 272 Tank Battalion for Kaltungo.

In a statement issued on Friday night by the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Security Matters and Intergovernmental Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Musa Danbayo, the state government said the new formations would boost the operational capacity of the Nigerian Army in Gombe and neighbouring states.

It said the development would enhance rapid response to emerging security challenges, support counter-insurgency and other security operations, and contribute to peace and stability in the North-East.

“We sincerely commend and appreciate His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for this important and far-reaching decision,” the statement said.

“The establishment of these formations demonstrates the Federal Government’s continued commitment to strengthening Nigeria’s national security architecture and bringing security institutions closer to communities.”

The state government also commended Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya for what it described as his administration’s sustained focus on security, peacebuilding, intergovernmental collaboration and the welfare of residents.

It said the people of Gombe had long desired a stronger and more permanent military presence to complement the efforts of other security agencies operating in the state.

According to the government, the establishment of the 27 Armoured Brigade, 271 Tank Battalion in Bajoga and 272 Tank Battalion in Kaltungo had brought renewed hope and reassurance to residents.

“The people of Gombe State have long looked forward to a stronger and more permanent military presence capable of complementing the efforts of other security agencies,” it said.

“This development is therefore a source of great joy and reassurance to our citizens.”

The government described the development as a strategic investment in the security and stability of Gombe State, the North-East geopolitical zone and Nigeria as a whole.

It also appreciated the Federal Government, the Nigerian Army, other security agencies and stakeholders for their contributions towards strengthening security in the state.

The state government reaffirmed its commitment to supporting initiatives aimed at promoting peace, security and sustainable development, while expressing optimism that the new formations would further consolidate peace in Gombe and contribute to stability across the North-East.

“Gombe State is indeed blessed by this development, and we remain committed to supporting every genuine effort towards building a safer, more peaceful and prosperous society,” the statement added.