Barau backs new army battalion, artillery regiment for Kano

Deputy President of the Senate Barau Jibrin has welcomed the Nigerian Army's deployment of a new battalion and an artillery regiment to Kano State, calling it a timely move to strengthen security in the state and the wider North-West.

According to a statement from his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Ismail Mudashir, the new units are the 24 Battalion in Tudun Wada and the 311 Artillery Regiment in Dambatta.

Barau said the deployment shows President Bola Tinubu's commitment to tackling violent crime across the country. He also praised Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf for his focus on security in Kano, and Chief of Army Staff Lieutenant-General Waidi Shaibu for what he described as visionary leadership in repositioning the Army.

"This strategic deployment is highly commendable," Barau said in the statement, adding that it underscores the President's resolve to secure the lives and property of Nigerians.

Why it matters for Kano residents

Kano and neighbouring states in the North-West have faced years of banditry, kidnapping and other violent crime, with farmers, travellers and traders bearing much of the cost. New military formations can mean faster response to attacks and more patrols along rural roads, though residents often say lasting peace depends on intelligence from the communities themselves.

Barau made that point directly, asking traditional rulers, community leaders and residents in Dambatta, Tudun Wada and across Kano to support the troops and share timely information.

"Without community support, our security agencies cannot fully defeat these criminals," he said.

He said the Senate would keep giving legislative backing and push for adequate funding for the armed forces and other security agencies.

What happens next

The statement did not give a timeline for when the new units will be fully operational. Barau said cooperation between the Kano State Government and the military will be key to getting them to full strength.