How Troops Restored Stability, Economic Activities in Bama — Brigade Commander
By Chidi Omeje
The Commander of the 21 Special Armoured Brigade, Nigerian Army, Bama, Brigadier General Tosin Ayoola, has revealed how troops under his command are succeeding in restoring stability and reviving socio-economic activities in Bama and surrounding communities in Borno State after years of Boko Haram attacks.
Brigadier General Ayoola, a battle-tested armoured officer who assumed command of the Brigade on April 25, 2025, said he immediately launched aggressive offensive operations against terrorists upon taking over the formation due to the precarious security situation in the area.
Speaking on the operations of the Brigade, the commander disclosed that within his first three days in office, he was already in the frontline with troops conducting offensive missions against Boko Haram fighters in the bush.
According to him, troops subsequently advanced deep into the Sambisa Forest where they dismantled several terrorist enclaves, destroyed insurgents’ structures, recovered assorted weapons and rescued numerous women and children held captive by the terrorists.
He explained that many of the rescued children had been abducted and were being indoctrinated and trained by Boko Haram to become fighters, while several other civilians rescued from captivity had been forced into labour, particularly farming activities for the terrorists.
The Brigade Commander stated that rescued victims were rehabilitated for about three months before being handed over to relevant non-governmental organisations for further care and reintegration.
Brigadier General Ayoola further noted that troops of the Brigade were able to restore safe and unhindered movement along the Bama–Maiduguri axis, thereby enabling residents to resume normal economic and social activities.
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“Today, socio-economic activities have significantly returned to Bama and adjoining communities. There is visible commercial activity across the town and environs, made possible by the resilience and commitment of our troops who continuously dominate and secure the major routes to keep terrorists at bay,” he said.
He added that troops also provide security escorts for VIPs, including traditional rulers, to enable them carry out their responsibilities without fear.
Highlighting the importance of civil-military cooperation, the Brigade Commander acknowledged the support and collaboration of local residents, noting that community intelligence has contributed immensely to operational successes recorded by the Brigade.
On the Brigade’s non-kinetic operations, Brigadier General Ayoola disclosed that troops regularly provide security escorts for farmers to access their farmlands safely, conduct medical outreach programmes to address common health challenges in communities, and undertake confidence-building patrols aimed at reassuring residents of their safety and encouraging displaced persons to return to normal life.
Despite the achievements recorded, the commander admitted that the Brigade still faces several challenges, particularly the activities of some youths in the area who allegedly maintain ties with insurgents.
According to him, some youths continue to supply food items, drugs and other logistics to terrorists hiding in the bush, while also providing information on troop movements to insurgents.
He noted that the Brigade has repeatedly engaged community leaders on the dangers and consequences of supporting terrorist elements, stressing that some individuals still maintain affinity with relatives involved in Boko Haram activities.
The commander, however, reaffirmed the commitment of troops to sustaining the ongoing offensive and stabilisation operations across the Brigade’s area of responsibility.
He also expressed appreciation to the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, and the General Officer Commanding 7 Division, for their continued support to the Brigade.
The 21 Special Armoured Brigade, Bama, remains one of the largest and most strategic formations under Operation Hadin Kai, playing a critical role in counter-terrorism operations across the North-East.