New 6 Brigade Commander Visits Aku Uka, Seeks Traditional Institution’s Support for Peace
The newly appointed Commander of the 6 Brigade Headquarters, Wukari, Brigadier General C. M. Akaliro, has paid a familiarisation and courtesy visit to the Aku Uka of Wukari, His Majesty Dr. Ishaku Adda Ali Matakitswen, with a pledge to strengthen collaboration with traditional institutions in the pursuit of lasting peace and security in Wukari and other parts of Taraba State.
The visit, which took place at the Aku Uka Palace in Wukari, was the Brigade Commander’s first official engagement with the traditional institution following the establishment of the 6 Brigade Headquarters in Wukari on July 31, 2026.
The engagement is seen as part of efforts to build stronger relationships between the military and critical community stakeholders, particularly traditional rulers whose knowledge of local communities can support security operations and early-warning mechanisms.
According to a report shared by Jolly Agbu Masa-Ibi, Special Adviser on Media to the Aku Uka, Brigadier General Akaliro expressed appreciation to the monarch and members of the traditional council for the warm reception accorded him and his delegation.
The Commander reaffirmed the commitment of the Nigerian Army to promoting peace, protecting lives and property and supporting efforts to maintain stability in Wukari and Taraba State.
He stressed that effective security requires cooperation between security agencies and the communities they serve, noting that traditional institutions occupy a strategic position in mobilising communities, promoting peaceful coexistence and providing useful information to security agencies.
Akaliro therefore solicited the continued support and cooperation of the Aku Uka, other traditional rulers and stakeholders as the Brigade carries out its responsibilities.
Having received the blessings of the Aku Uka, the Commander declared that “the work has now begun,” signalling his readiness to commence active engagement with communities and other stakeholders within the Brigade’s area of responsibility.
AKU UKA PLEDGES SUPPORT
Responding, the Aku Uka assured Brigadier General Akaliro and his team of the cooperation and support of the traditional institution.
The monarch commended the Nigerian Army for its efforts towards protecting lives and property and maintaining peace and stability in Wukari and other parts of Taraba State.
The Aku Uka emphasised the importance of sustained engagement between security agencies and communities, particularly in addressing security challenges before they escalate.
The meeting also provided an opportunity for the military leadership and traditional institution to strengthen communication and understanding on issues affecting peace and security within the area.
NEW BRIGADE RAISES SECURITY EXPECTATIONS
The establishment of the 6 Brigade Headquarters in Wukari has raised expectations of a stronger military presence and quicker security response, particularly across communities in southern Taraba and other areas within its operational responsibility.
Wukari and neighbouring communities have over the years experienced various security challenges, including communal tensions, kidnapping and other criminal activities.
Against this background, collaboration between security agencies, traditional rulers, community leaders, youth groups and residents is considered critical to intelligence gathering, conflict prevention and the maintenance of peace.
The Commander’s visit to the Aku Uka therefore goes beyond traditional courtesy, as it establishes an important channel of cooperation between the new military formation and one of Taraba State’s foremost traditional institutions.
The Nigerian Army has increasingly emphasised community cooperation and intelligence gathering as important components of security operations, particularly because residents are often the first to notice unusual movements and emerging threats within their communities.
The new Brigade leadership is consequently expected to deepen engagement with traditional institutions and other stakeholders as it settles into its responsibilities in Wukari.
The occasion was attended by traditional rulers from various chiefdoms, members of the Council of Kingmakers, the Aku Uka’s Advisory Council and youth leadership, among other stakeholders.
The Palace described the visit as a significant step towards strengthening cooperation between the Nigerian Army and the traditional institution in the collective effort to promote peace, security and stability in Wukari and Taraba State.
