For several hours on Wednesday, the streets of Jalingo took on an unusual appearance as thousands of youths moved through the state capital in a peaceful show of appreciation for President Bola Tinubu over the approval of the establishment of the 10 Division of the Nigerian Army in Taraba State.
Key Highlights:
- Taraba youths rallied to thank Tinubu for the new 10 Division.
- They said it will boost security in the state.
- Youth groups pledged support for the Army.
- They praised improved soldiers’ salaries.
- The rally ended peacefully.
Vehicular movement was temporarily disrupted as the youths, carrying placards with various inscriptions, commenced their rally from the Government House Roundabout and passed through major streets of the state capital.
But beyond the colour and movement of the procession was a message that resonated throughout the rally: the expectation that the new army division would provide a stronger security presence in a state that has faced its share of security challenges.
The youths said the establishment of the division would strengthen military operations and improve the capacity of security agencies to respond to threats confronting Taraba and neighbouring communities.
For many of the participants, the development represents more than the creation of another military formation. They see it as an opportunity to deepen collaboration between communities and security agencies while improving the protection of lives and property.
Speaking at the rally, spokesperson of the Taraba People’s Movement, Umar Bello, described the establishment of the division as a major development that had generated excitement among residents.
Bello said the movement was ready to work with the Nigerian Army and other security agencies to promote peace and stability across 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.
The youth leader expressed appreciation to President Tinubu for approving the establishment of the division, while also commending the chief of defence staff and chief of army staff for their roles in making the initiative possible.
According to him, the group had prepared letters of appreciation to the president, the chief of army staff and the chief of defence staff.
The letters, he said, would be presented through the commander of the 6 Brigade, Nigerian Army, Jalingo.
Also speaking, spokesperson of the Arewa Youth Assembly, Aliyu Sani, described the establishment of the 10 Division as a historic development for Taraba State and the wider North East region.
For Sani, the initiative is evidence of the federal government’s renewed commitment to strengthening the Nigerian Army and confronting insecurity.
“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.
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He said the new division would provide a major security formation for Taraba State, while offering additional support for security operations in the North-East.
The development, he suggested, could also have implications beyond military operations, particularly for communities whose economic and social activities are affected whenever insecurity disrupts normal life.
Sani’s remarks also touched on the welfare of soldiers, particularly those deployed in challenging operational environments.
He 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.
According to him, improved remuneration would reassure soldiers and their families that their sacrifices and contributions to national security were recognised.
Sani 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.
He also applauded the commander of the 6 Brigade, Nigerian Army, Jalingo, for what he described as steadfast leadership and commitment to maintaining peace in Taraba State.
The rally ended peacefully, with participants reaffirming their support for the Nigerian Army and their readiness to cooperate with security agencies in the fight against insecurity.
