President Bola Tinubu has approved the establishment of a new Nigerian Army battalion in Omu-Aran, Irepodun Local Government Area of Kwara State, as part of efforts to strengthen security in the state.
The development was disclosed in a statement issued by the Deputy Chief Press Secretary to the Kwara State Governor, Mashood AbdulRafiu Agboola.
According to the statement, the new military formation is expected to bolster security operations, particularly in parts of the state affected by banditry, kidnapping and other violent crimes.
Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq welcomed the approval, describing it as a significant boost to the state’s security architecture. He said the battalion would reinforce ongoing operations with additional personnel and military assets.
The governor also thanked the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, for the swift processing of the state’s request for an increased military presence.
“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 counter-terrorism and anti-kidnapping operations across various areas,” the statement quoted AbdulRazaq as saying.
He also acknowledged the support of the Office of the National Security Adviser, the Nigerian Armed Forces, the Department of State Services, the Nigeria Police Force and other security agencies for their continued efforts to tackle insecurity in the state.
AbdulRazaq reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to supporting coordinated security operations aimed at combating kidnapping and other violent crimes while safeguarding lives and property across Kwara State.
