TINUBU APPROVES NEW ARMY BATTALION FOR KWARA TO BOOST FIGHT AGAINST BANDITRY

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By Aishat Momoh. O.

President Bola Tinubu has approved the establishment of a new Nigerian Army battalion in Kwara State to strengthen security and intensify the fight against banditry, terrorism and other violent crimes.

The new battalion will be located in Omu Aran, the headquarters of Irepodun Local Government Area, and is expected to enhance military presence, increase troop deployment and improve security operations across communities affected by kidnappings and bandit attacks.

Kwara State Governor, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, disclosed the development 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 tackling security challenges in the state.

AbdulRazaq expressed gratitude to President Tinubu for approving the military formation, saying the battalion would significantly strengthen ongoing counterterrorism and anti-kidnapping operations.

“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,” he said.

The governor also commended the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Waidi Shaibu, for the prompt processing of the state’s request for increased military presence.

He further acknowledged the efforts of the Office of the National Security Adviser and other security agencies for their sustained operations against criminal elements in Kwara.

“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,” AbdulRazaq added.

The approval comes amid renewed concerns over worsening insecurity in parts of the state, particularly in Babanla community in Ifelodun Local Government Area, where residents have raised alarm over recurring attacks by suspected bandits.

The latest concerns followed a recent attack in which gunmen reportedly killed one resident and abducted another, fuelling fears that criminal groups are expanding their activities in parts of Igbomina land despite ongoing security operations.

The establishment of the new battalion is expected to bolster ongoing efforts to restore peace and improve security across Kwara State.