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The Nigerian Army has requested the support of the Taraba State Government for the operational take-off of its newly established 10 Division, which will be headquartered in Jalingo and assume responsibility for military operations across Taraba and Adamawa states.

The appeal was made on Thursday when the Nigerian Army Order of Battle (ORBAT) 2023 Review Committee, led by Major General BT Ugiagbe, Chief of Army Standards and Evaluation, paid a courtesy visit to Taraba State Governor, Dr. Agbu Kefas, in Abuja as part of ongoing consultations on the establishment of the new military formation.

Speaking during the meeting, Major General Ugiagbe said the creation of the 10 Division forms part of the Nigerian Army’s broader strategy to strengthen the country’s security architecture, improve command and control, and enhance operational responses to evolving security challenges.

He explained that the new division would assume operational responsibility for Taraba and Adamawa states, areas previously under the jurisdiction of the Nigerian Army’s 3 Division headquartered in Jos.

According to him, the successful establishment of the division will require significant government support, including the provision of suitable land and critical infrastructure such as divisional headquarters, barracks, residential accommodation, training facilities, logistics bases, medical centres, schools, communication systems, and other operational support structures.

Governor Kefas welcomed the establishment of the division, describing it as a strategic and timely intervention that would significantly strengthen security not only in Taraba State but across the North-East region.

He noted that Taraba’s vast landmass, its boundaries with six Nigerian states, and its extensive international border with Cameroon present unique security challenges that require a stronger and sustained military presence.

The governor specifically identified Kurmi, Takum, Gashaka and Sardauna Local Government Areas as vulnerable border communities facing threats associated with cross-border criminal activities, illegal arms trafficking, irregular migration, and other security concerns.

Reaffirming his administration’s commitment to the initiative, Governor Kefas pledged the full support of the Taraba State Government, including facilitating the acquisition of land and providing every necessary assistance to ensure the successful establishment of the division.

He expressed confidence that beyond improving security, the presence of the new military formation would stimulate economic growth, attract investments, and accelerate infrastructure development in Taraba and neighbouring Adamawa State.

Major General Ugiagbe thanked the governor for his commitment and assured him that the committee would continue working closely with the Taraba State Government to ensure the smooth operationalisation of the division.

The committee is expected to undertake additional liaison visits and on-site assessments in Taraba and Adamawa as preparations intensify for the formal take-off of the Nigerian Army’s 10 Division, with headquarters in Jalingo.