Photo caption from left: The New Brigade Commander, 22 Armoured Brigade, Sobi Cantonment, Ilorin, Brigadier General Nicholas Rume, during the formal handing over by the outgoing Brigade Commander, Brigadier General Ezra Barkins, at the Sobi Cantonment, Ilorin, on Thursday. Credit: Nigeria Army.
Brigadier-General Nicholas Rume has assumed duty as the 23rd Commander of the 22 Armoured Brigade, Nigerian Army, Ilorin, with a pledge to strengthen the fight against banditry and other forms of insecurity in Kwara and adjoining states.
His appointment followed the recent posting and redeployment of senior officers across the Nigerian Army, as approved by the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede.
The development was contained in a press statement issued on Thursday by the Acting Assistant Director, Army Public Relations, 22 Armoured Brigade, Captain Stephen Nwankwo.
According to the statement, the formal handing and taking over ceremony between Rume and his predecessor, Brigadier General Ezra Bawa Barkins, took place on Thursday at the Brigade Headquarters, Sobi Cantonment, Ilorin.
“The event featured the signing of the handing and taking-over notes, a farewell address to troops by the outgoing Commander, and the symbolic presentation of the command flag to the incoming Commander,” the statement read.
It added that the ceremony climaxed with the hoisting of a new Brigade flag at the Quarter Guard, symbolising the commencement of a new era in the leadership of the Brigade.
In his farewell remarks, the outgoing Commander, Barkins, expressed gratitude to the COAS for the opportunity to serve, while commending officers and soldiers of the Brigade for their loyalty and professionalism.
He said, “I appreciate every officer and soldier for their unflinching support throughout my tenure. I urge you to extend the same level of loyalty and cooperation to my successor to ensure continued operational success.”
He further urged troops to remain disciplined and focused, particularly as the Brigade intensifies operations to curb banditry, kidnapping, and other criminal activities within its area of responsibility, covering parts of Kwara, Kogi, and Niger States.
The statement also quoted the new Commander, Rume, as assuring that he would build on the achievements of his predecessor and further enhance synergy with other security agencies to strengthen internal security in the region.
“Fighting insecurity requires teamwork, discipline, and professionalism. I am committed to working closely with all stakeholders to ensure lasting peace and safety for our people”, Rume said.
Rume added that the 22 Armoured Brigade remains a key formation in the North Central region, actively involved in supporting counter-banditry, anti-kidnapping, and anti-illegal mining operations.
He reaffirmed the Army’s commitment to sustaining peace and protecting lives and property in Kwara State and beyond.
