President Bola Tinubu has approved the establishment of a new Nigerian Army battalion in Omu Aran, Kwara State, to enhance military operations against banditry, kidnapping and other violent crimes amid renewed security concerns in parts of the state.
The battalion, to be located in Omu Aran, the headquarters of Irepodun Local Government Area, is expected to strengthen the military’s operational presence in Kwara, particularly in communities affected by kidnappings and attacks by armed groups.
Kwara State Governor, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, announced the approval in a statement issued on Tuesday by his Deputy Chief Press Secretary, Mashood Agboola.
The governor described the approval as another demonstration of the Federal Government’s commitment to improving security in the state and commended President Tinubu for responding to the state’s request for 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 counterterrorism and anti-kidnapping operations across various theatres,” AbdulRazaq said.
He also acknowledged the Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Waidi Shaibu, for the prompt processing of the request.
“Specifically, I express our appreciation to the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, for the swiftness with which he graciously processed our request for more hands to strengthen the presence of the Army in the state,” he added.
The governor further commended the Office of the National Security Adviser and other security agencies for ongoing coordinated efforts to address 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,” he said.
The approval comes as parts of Kwara State continue to face security challenges, particularly in communities within Ifelodun Local Government Area, where residents have reported repeated incidents of kidnapping and attacks by armed groups.
Residents of Babanla recently raised concerns over the worsening security situation following an attack in which one person was reportedly killed and another abducted, renewing calls for stronger security measures in the area.
The establishment of the new battalion is expected to reinforce existing military operations and improve security coordination as authorities intensify efforts to combat violent crime across Kwara State.
