Security Threats: Governor Kefas Wants Troops in Taraba
Taraba State Governor Agbu Kefas has asked a battalion from the Nigerian Army to safeguard ungoverned areas in the state. He made the request during a visit to Army Headquarters in Abuja to see Chief of Army Staff Lt-Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja.
He agreed to foot the bill for establishing a battalion in his state. A battalion is made up of 300 to 1,000 soldiers. He stated that the Army’s assistance was required to control the state’s ungoverned zones and confront the security threat they posed.
During the visit, the governor stated, “We are in desperate need of security in the state.” The COAS is well-versed on our terrain and the issues we face. Six states border us: Adamawa, Benue, Nasarawa, Gombe, Plateau, and Bauchi. Our task is quite difficult. We cannot solve it without your assistance.”We plan to rule our state’s huge ungoverned spaces in order to assure our citizens’ safety and well-being.” We will need a battalion to accomplish this goal. We are ready to assist you in achieving this goal. We require significant assistance to dominate the unprotected spaces and counter some of the risks we face.”
Lt. Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, Chief of Army Staff, responded by promising to send more combat enablers to Taraba State.
He did, however, mention that a battalion already existed in the country’s north-east in Borno State, pledging the quick establishment of a unit in Taraba State.
“My knowledge of Taraba is deeply embedded because I served there for eight or nine years,” Gen. Lagbaja stated. And I’ll never forget Taraba since I nearly died while watching TV. The Jukun crisis. Thank the governor for what he has done.
“As part of our efforts to ensure the state’s peace and stability, we have mobilised our 16th Brigade.” We appreciate your efforts to ensure the state’s operational effectiveness. We wish to broaden the borders of peace in Taraba State. We will go to any length to ensure that.
“We will supply the 6th Brigade and Garrison with greater combat enablers.” We will also ensure that the 114th Battalion takes off quickly, so that we have more booths on the ground to supplement the governor’s non-kinetic strategy.
“The battalion designated in the Nigerian Army’s order of battle in Taraba is currently constituted and conducting operations in Borno, but looking ahead, we will assure the take-off of the 114th Battalion in Taraba.”