President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved the establishment of a new Nigerian Army battalion in Omu-Aran, Irepodun Local Government Area of Kwara State, in a major move to reinforce security and combat rising criminal activities across the state.
The approval was announced in a statement issued by the Deputy Chief Press Secretary to the Kwara State Governor, Mashood AbdulRafiu Agboola, who said the military formation is expected to bolster security operations in communities affected by banditry, kidnapping and other violent crimes.
Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq welcomed the President's approval, describing it as a significant boost to the state's security architecture. He said the deployment of the battalion, along with additional military personnel and operational assets, would strengthen ongoing efforts to protect lives and property.
The governor also expressed appreciation to the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, for the swift processing of the state's request for an expanded military presence.
According to AbdulRazaq, the new battalion will enhance the capacity of security agencies to respond more effectively to threats posed by bandits, terrorists and other criminal elements operating within and around the state.
"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 governor said.
He further commended the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), the Nigerian Armed Forces, the Department of State Services (DSS), the Nigeria Police Force and other security agencies for their continued commitment to tackling insecurity in Kwara.
AbdulRazaq reaffirmed his administration's commitment to supporting coordinated security operations, stressing that the state government would continue to work closely with all security agencies to curb kidnapping, banditry and other violent crimes while ensuring the safety of residents across Kwara State.
