President Bola Tinubu has approved the creation of a new Nigerian Army battalion in Kwara State to reinforce security efforts and bolster ongoing operations against banditry, terrorism and other violent crimes.
The new military formation will be sited in Omu Aran, the headquarters of Irepodun Local Government Area.
It is expected to improve the deployment of troops and military equipment, particularly in communities grappling with increasing cases of kidnappings and attacks by armed bandits.
Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq announced the development in a statement issued on Tuesday by his Deputy Chief Press Secretary, Mashood Agboola.
According to the governor, the approval reflects the Federal Government’s continued commitment to tackling the state’s security challenges.
He said the additional military presence would strengthen ongoing operations aimed at curbing terrorism and kidnapping across Kwara.
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“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.
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,” the governor said.
AbdulRazaq also commended the Office of the National Security Adviser and other security agencies for their continued efforts to address violent crimes in 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 added.
The approval comes as concerns continue to grow over insecurity in parts of Kwara, especially Babanla community in Ifelodun Local Government Area, where residents have alleged that bandits still operate freely despite repeated security operations.
Residents recently raised fresh concerns about what they described as the worsening security situation in the area, claiming that some influential individuals had discouraged them from publicly speaking about the recurring attacks by armed groups.
The latest concerns followed an attack on Monday in which suspected gunmen reportedly killed one resident and abducted another, intensifying fears among locals who say Babanla has become a key base for criminal gangs terrorising communities across parts of Igbomina land.