Tinubu approves new Army Battalion for Kwara to boost bight against insecurity

By Ahmed Olayinka

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved the establishment of a new Nigerian Army battalion in Kwara State as part of renewed efforts to strengthen security and combat banditry, kidnapping, terrorism and other violent crimes across the state, THE PRIME NEWS reports.

The new battalion will be sited in Omu Aran, the headquarters of Irepodun Local Government Area, and is expected to bolster military presence with additional troops and operational equipment, particularly in areas experiencing persistent attacks by bandits and kidnappers.

Kwara State Governor, Mallam 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 improving security and protecting lives and property in Kwara State.

AbdulRazaq expressed profound appreciation to President Tinubu for approving the new military formation, noting that it would significantly enhance ongoing operations against criminal elements across the state.

“On behalf of the government and people of Kwara State, I sincerely thank Mr President for once again fulfilling his promise to our state.

“We are confident that the new battalion will further strengthen counterterrorism and anti-kidnapping operations across different parts of Kwara,” the governor said.

He also commended the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, for the prompt processing of the state’s request for increased military deployment.

“I also appreciate the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, for the speed and commitment with which he graciously processed our request to reinforce the Army’s presence in Kwara State,” he added.

The governor further acknowledged the support of the Office of the National Security Adviser and other security agencies for their coordinated efforts to tackle insecurity, rescue kidnapped victims and flush out criminal gangs operating in forested areas.

“Of particular importance are the ongoing discreet, multi-agency security operations aimed at ending kidnappings, rescuing victims and clearing criminal elements from our forests,” AbdulRazaq stated.

THE PRIME NEWS gathered that the approval comes at a time of growing concern over insecurity in parts of Kwara State, especially in Babanla community in Ifelodun Local Government Area, where residents have repeatedly complained about recurring attacks by suspected bandits.

Residents recently raised fresh concerns over what they described as worsening insecurity in the community, alleging that armed criminals continue to operate with relative ease despite repeated security interventions.

The latest concerns followed Monday’s attack in which suspected gunmen reportedly killed one resident and abducted another, further deepening fears among residents who believe Babanla has become a major hideout for criminal groups terrorising communities across the Igbomina axis of the state.