Military formation to be sited in Omu Aran as Federal Government moves to reinforce security operations amid rising attacks in parts of the state…..
President Bola Tinubu has approved the establishment of a new Nigerian Army battalion in Kwara State in a move aimed at strengthening security and intensifying the fight against banditry, kidnapping and other violent crimes.
The new military formation will be located in Omu Aran, the headquarters of Irepodun Local Government Area, and is expected to boost the deployment of troops and military assets to communities facing growing security threats.
Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq announced the development in a statement issued on Tuesday through his Deputy Chief Press Secretary, Mashood Agboola.
According to the governor, the approval underscores the Federal Government’s commitment to improving security in the state and supporting ongoing efforts to combat criminal activities.
AbdulRazaq thanked President Tinubu for approving the request, describing the decision as another fulfilled commitment to the people of Kwara.
“On behalf of the people and government of our state, I wholeheartedly thank Mr President for yet another promise kept to the state. We are confident that the new battalion will greatly strengthen counterterrorism and anti-kidnapping operations across various theatres,” he said.
The governor also commended the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, for what he described as the swift processing of the state’s request for increased military presence.
He further acknowledged the support of the Office of the National Security Adviser and other security agencies for their continued collaboration in tackling insecurity across the state.
“Of particular note are the other discreet, multi-agency efforts of government to stamp out kidnappings, free all victims, and clear all unwanted elements from our forests,” AbdulRazaq added.
The approval comes as concerns mount over the security situation in parts of Kwara, particularly Babanla in Ifelodun Local Government Area, where residents have repeatedly complained about persistent attacks by suspected bandits.
Residents recently alleged that armed groups continue to operate freely in the area despite repeated security operations and claimed that influential individuals had discouraged them from speaking publicly about the deteriorating situation.
The latest concerns followed an attack on Monday in which gunmen reportedly killed one resident and abducted another, further raising fears that Babanla has become a major operating base for criminal gangs terrorising communities across parts of Igbomina land.
Authorities expect the establishment of the new battalion to strengthen ongoing military operations and improve security response across vulnerable communities in the state.
