Brigadier-General Nicholas Rume has assumed duty as the 23rd Commander of the 22 Armoured Brigade, Nigerian Army, in Ilorin, pledging to strengthen the fight against banditry and other forms of insecurity in Kwara and adjoining states.
His appointment follows a recent posting and redeployment of senior officers approved by the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede.
This was announced in a press statement issued on Thursday by Captain Stephen Nwankwo, the Acting Assistant Director of Army Public Relations for the 22 Armoured Brigade.
According to the statement, a 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 handover notes, a farewell address to troops by the outgoing commander, and the symbolic presentation of the command flag to the incoming commander. The ceremony concluded with the hoisting of a new brigade flag, symbolising the commencement of Rume’s leadership.
In his farewell remarks, the outgoing commander, Barkins, expressed gratitude to the COAS for the opportunity to serve and commended the officers and soldiers of the brigade for their loyalty and professionalism.
“I appreciate every officer and soldier for their unflinching support throughout my tenure,” Barkins said. “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 as the brigade intensifies operations to curb banditry, kidnapping, and other criminal activities within its area of responsibility, which covers parts of Kwara, Kogi, and Niger States.
The new commander, Rume, assured that he would build on the achievements of his predecessor and 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.
He 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. Rume reaffirmed the Army’s commitment to sustaining peace and protecting lives and property in Kwara State and beyond.
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