The planned establishment of the Nigerian Army‘s newly created 10 Division in Jalingo has received a major boost, with the Taraba State government pledging land, infrastructure and other necessary support to ensure the immediate take-off of the military formation.

The commitment by the state government came on Monday when a delegation from Army Headquarters, Abuja, led by Major General I. O. Bassey, visited Taraba as part of preparations for the establishment of the Division.

The delegation’s visit was aimed at assessing available facilities, verifying resources and holding discussions with the state government on the requirements needed to establish and operationalise the new Division.

For Taraba, the proposed military formation represents an opportunity to further strengthen its security architecture and deepen the partnership between the state government and the Nigerian Army in protecting lives, property and communities.

Representing Governor Agbu Kefas, the Secretary to the Government of Taraba State, Chief Gebon Timothy Kataps, said the administration was pleased with the decision to site the Army Division in Jalingo and was prepared to work with military authorities to ensure that the formation takes off without delay.

Kataps described the protection of lives and property as a major priority of the state government, saying the administration would continue to support initiatives capable of improving security across the state.

He assured the military delegation that the state had sufficient land to accommodate strategic security infrastructure and military formations, adding that the government was willing to facilitate land allocation in Karim Lamido, Bali, Wukari and Gembu for brigades and battalions that may be created under the new Division.

The offer, according to the state government, is intended to provide the military with the space and facilities required to establish a wider operational presence across Taraba.

Kataps said the presence of the 10 Division in Jalingo would go beyond strengthening the state’s security structure, arguing that a more robust security environment would contribute to peace, stability and development in Taraba and neighbouring areas.

“The presence of the 10 Division in Jalingo will further strengthen Taraba’s security architecture while contributing to peace, stability and development in the state and beyond,” he said.

The establishment of the Division in Jalingo is expected to provide an additional layer of military coordination in Taraba and enhance collaboration between the Nigerian Army and other security agencies operating in the state.

The Army delegation’s assessment of facilities and available resources forms part of the groundwork required to translate the decision to establish the Division into an operational reality.

The exercise is also expected to enable the military authorities to identify existing infrastructure that can be utilised, as well as determine additional facilities and resources required for the Division to function effectively.

For the state government, the proposed formation offers an opportunity to consolidate ongoing efforts to improve security while supporting the military with the practical resources required for its operations.

Although Jalingo is expected to host the headquarters of the new Division, the proposed availability of land in Karim Lamido, Bali, Wukari and Gembu could pave the way for the establishment of subordinate military formations in different parts of the state.

Such an expanded military presence could strengthen security coordination and bring military formations closer to communities across Taraba.

The development could also have wider implications for the state’s socio-economic activities, as improved security is critical to the movement of people and goods, agricultural activities, investment and sustainable development.

The meeting between the Army delegation and the state government also highlighted the importance of cooperation between the federal military authorities and the Taraba State Government in establishing the Division.

The Secretary to the Government was joined by the Head of Service, Dr. Hamidu Ahmed Kara, and the APC State Chairman, Alhaji Abubakar Bawa, in receiving the Army delegation.

The engagement provided an avenue for both sides to examine the practical requirements for the Division’s take-off and discuss areas where the state could support the military authorities.

A New Chapter for Taraba’s Security
With the state government offering land and infrastructure support, attention will now turn to the practical steps required to establish the headquarters and other supporting structures of the 10 Division.

The success of the initiative will ultimately depend on the availability of the required facilities, logistics and personnel, as well as sustained cooperation between the military and the state government.

For Taraba, however, the decision to establish the 10 Division in Jalingo has already opened a new chapter in the state’s security landscape.

As preparations gather momentum, the government believes the Division will not only reinforce the protection of lives and property but also contribute to creating the stability needed for communities, businesses and the wider economy to thrive.

The pledge of land and infrastructure support therefore signals Taraba’s readiness to partner with the Nigerian Army in turning the newly created Division from an official establishment into a fully operational military formation capable of serving the state and the wider region.