The newly-posted Commander of the 22 Armoured Brigade, Sobi Cantonment, Ilorin, Brigadier-General Nicholas Rume, on Thursday formally assumed command with a pledge to intensify ongoing operations against banditry, kidnapping and other security threats in Kwara and neighbouring states.

Rume took over from Brigadier-General Ezra Bawa Barkins following a recent round of postings approved by the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant-General Olufemi Oluyede.

A statement by the Acting Assistant Director, Army Public Relations, Captain Stephen Nwankwo, said the event held at the Brigade Headquarters in Ilorin and featured the signing of hand-over notes, a farewell address to troops and the ceremonial transfer of the command flag.

The handing-over proceedings were rounded off with the hoisting of a new Brigade flag at the Quarter Guard.

Barkins, in his parting remarks, thanked the COAS for the opportunity to serve and commended the troops for their discipline and support. He urged them to extend the same loyalty to his successor as the formation steps up anti-banditry and internal security operations across Kwara, Kogi and Niger corridors.

Rume, in his inaugural address, promised to build on his predecessor’s gains and deepen joint operations with other security agencies.

“Fighting insecurity requires teamwork, discipline and professionalism. We will work with all stakeholders to ensure lasting peace and safety for our people,” he said, reaffirming the Army’s resolve to secure lives, property and economic activities in the region.