Following the recent expansion of the Nigerian Army, troops of a newly formed Nigerian Army Battalion deployed to Niger State arrived in the state on Monday, 10 August 2026, to reinforce ongoing security operations across the state and its environs.
A statement signed by Captain Adebayo Samuel Adewumi Acting Assistant Director Army Public Relations HQ 18 Bde Bida said the troops received a warm welcome from the good people of Niger State, alongside the Executive Chairmen of Mashegu, Mariga and Kontagora Local Government Areas (LGAs). The Executive Chairmen of the three LGAs commended the Nigerian Army for the timely deployment. They expressed appreciation to the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shuaibu NAM, for his commitment to safeguarding lives and property in the general area. They assured the troops of the cooperation of host communities and pledged to provide credible information to aid military operations.
While addressing the troops on Tuesday, 11 August 2026, the Commander 18 Brigade, Brigadier General Husaini Rabiu Toro, charged the personnel to uphold the highest standards of discipline and professionalism in the discharge of their duties. He further tasked them to remain vigilant and work closely with the communities in actualising their operational mandate.
The Commander admonished the troops to respect the rights of law-abiding citizens, operate within the rules of engagement, and decisively neutralise all terrorists and criminal elements hibernating within their area of operational responsibility.
The newly inducted battalion is expected to commence operational activities immediately, with a focus on dominating vulnerable communities in Mashegu, Mariga, Kontagora and Magama LGAs to deny terrorists freedom of action.
Headquarters 18 Brigade Nigerian Army and its sub-units remain committed to working with stakeholders and other security agencies to sustain peace and stability in Niger State and its environs, the Commander stated.
