The Nigerian Army Order of Battle (ORBAT) 2023 Review Committee has engaged the governor of Taraba state, Dr Agbu Kefas, on plans for the operational take-off of the newly established 10 Division Nigerian Army, with headquarters in Jalingo.

The committee paid a courtesy visit to the governor in Abuja on Thursday as part of ongoing consultations aimed at facilitating the establishment of the division, which is expected to strengthen security operations in Taraba and Adamawa states.

The visit is part of the Federal Government’s and the Nigerian Army’s efforts to reinforce the country’s security architecture following the creation of additional army divisions to enhance operational effectiveness and address emerging security challenges.

The delegation was led by the Chief of Army Standards and Evaluation (CASE), Major General BT Ugiagbe, and included senior military officers such as Major General RT Utsaha, Major General SY Yakassai, Major General IO Bassey, Brigadier General MJ Gambo, Brigadier General YP Habila and Brigadier General KC Uwa.

Speaking during the meeting, Major General Ugiagbe conveyed the goodwill of the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, to Governor Kefas and commended the Taraba State Government for its continued support to the Nigerian Army’s operations in the state.

He explained that the committee’s engagement was part of the implementation of the Nigerian Army ORBAT 2023 Review, particularly the operationalisation of the newly created 10 Division.

According to him, the establishment of the division represents a major milestone in the Army’s force restructuring efforts, aimed at improving command and control, enhancing operational responsiveness, strengthening border security and boosting the military’s capacity to tackle contemporary security threats.

Ugiagbe disclosed that the new division, headquartered in Jalingo, would assume operational responsibility for Taraba and Adamawa states, which were previously under the jurisdiction of the 3 Division Nigerian Army in Jos.

He noted that the successful take-off of the division would require adequate land for the construction of its headquarters, permanent barracks, accommodation for personnel, training facilities, logistics bases, workshops, equipment parks, ammunition storage facilities, medical centres, schools, communication infrastructure, administrative buildings and other essential military installations.

Responding, governor Kefas welcomed the committee and described the establishment of the 10 Division as a timely and strategic decision that would significantly improve security across Taraba State and neighbouring areas.

The governor highlighted Taraba’s strategic importance, noting that the state shares boundaries with Adamawa, Gombe, Bauchi, Plateau, Benue and Nasarawa states, as well as an extensive international border with the Republic of Cameroon.

He identified Kurmi, Takum, Gashaka and Sardauna local government councils as critical border communities facing unique security challenges, including trans-border crimes, arms trafficking and illegal migration, stressing the need for a sustained military presence.

Kefas commended the Nigerian Army for its professionalism and sacrifices in restoring peace across the state and reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to supporting the military.

He pledged the state government’s full cooperation, including the provision of suitable land and other necessary support to facilitate the successful establishment of the division.

The governor also expressed confidence that the operationalisation of the 10 Division would strengthen security, stimulate socio-economic development, attract investment and improve infrastructure in Taraba and neighbouring Adamawa State.

In his closing remarks, Major General Ugiagbe thanked the governor for his support and assured him of continued collaboration between the committee and the Taraba State Government to ensure the successful take-off of the division.

The committee is expected to undertake further liaison visits to Taraba and Adamawa states for on-site assessments and stakeholder engagements as preparations continue for the full operationalisation of the 10 Division Nigerian Army, Headquarters Jalingo.