PRESIDENT Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved the establishment of a new Nigerian Army battalion in Omu-Aran, Irepodun Local Government Area of Kwara State, as part of measures to strengthen security operations across the state.
The development was disclosed in a statement issued by the Deputy Chief Press Secretary to the Kwara State Governor, Mashood AbdulRafiu Agboola.
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The new military formation is expected to boost security operations, particularly in areas of Kwara State affected by banditry, kidnapping and other criminal activities threatening the safety of residents.
Reacting to the approval, Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq commended President Tinubu for approving the battalion, describing the decision as a major step towards reinforcing security efforts through the deployment of additional military personnel and assets.
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The governor also praised the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, for the swift processing of the state’s request for increased military presence.
According to AbdulRazaq, the establishment of the battalion would significantly improve the capacity of security agencies to respond to threats posed by bandits, terrorists and other criminal elements operating in parts of 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 statement quoted the governor as saying.
The governor further acknowledged the contributions of 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 in ongoing efforts to combat insecurity in Kwara State.
He said the state government would continue to support coordinated security operations aimed at tackling kidnapping, banditry and other violent crimes while ensuring the safety and protection of residents across the state.
