Thousands of youths on Wednesday took to the streets of Jalingo in a peaceful rally to express appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for approving the establishment of the 10 Division of the Nigerian Army in Taraba state.

The youths, who carried placards bearing various inscriptions, commenced the rally from the Government House Roundabout and moved through major streets in the state capital.

They said the establishment of the new Army division would strengthen security operations and help address security challenges confronting Taraba and neighbouring communities.

Speaking at the joint rally, spokesperson of the Taraba People’s Movement, Umar Sani Bello, described the establishment of the division as a major development that had generated excitement among residents.

Bello said the movement was ready to collaborate with the Nigerian Army and other security agencies to promote peace and stability in the state.

“The 10 Division has arrived, and we declare loudly that we are prepared to work with this new formation in any capacity required, shoulder to shoulder, for the peace of our land,” he said.

He expressed appreciation to President Tinubu for approving the establishment of the division, as well as the Chief of Defence Staff and Chief of Army Staff for their roles in making the initiative a reality.

According to him, the group had prepared letters of appreciation to the President, the Chief of Army Staff and the Chief of Defence Staff, which would be presented through the Commander of the 6 Brigade, Nigerian Army, Jalingo.

Also speaking, spokesperson of the Arewa Youth Assembly, Aliyu Mohammed Sani, described the establishment of the 10 Division as a historic development for Taraba and the wider region.

Sani said the initiative demonstrated the Federal Government’s commitment to strengthening the Nigerian Army and tackling insecurity across the country.

“Today, we stand on the right side of history because what we witness in Taraba is a historic footprint of a President who means every word he speaks,” he said.

He said the new division would serve as a major security formation for Taraba and provide additional support for security operations in the North-East.

Sani also commended the Federal Government for increasing the salaries of Nigerian soldiers, describing the move as a morale booster for troops serving on the front lines.

He said improved remuneration would reassure soldiers and their families that their sacrifices and contributions to national security were recognised.

The youth leader further commended the Chief of Defence Staff and Chief of Army Staff for their efforts towards strengthening the country’s security architecture.

He urged the Commander of the newly established 10 Division to discharge his responsibilities with dedication and in line with the Federal Government’s security agenda.

Sani also applauded the Commander of the 6 Brigade, Nigerian Army, Jalingo, for what he described as his steadfast leadership and commitment to maintaining peace in Taraba State.

The rally, as noticed by The Guardian, ended peacefully, with participants reiterating their support for the Nigerian Army and their readiness to cooperate with security agencies in the fight against insecurity.

The youths expressed optimism that the establishment of the new division would enhance security operations and contribute to lasting peace and stability in Taraba state.