President Bola Tinubu has approved the creation of a new Army battalion in Kwara State as part of efforts to improve security and tackle growing threats from bandits, kidnappers and other criminal groups.
The battalion will be sited in Omu Aran, the headquarters of Irepodun Local Government Area, and is expected to strengthen military operations through increased troop deployment and improved security presence in vulnerable communities.
Kwara State Governor, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, announced the approval in a statement released on Tuesday by his Deputy Chief Press Secretary, Mashood Agboola.
He described the decision as a clear sign of the Federal Government’s resolve to support the state’s fight against insecurity and thanked President Tinubu for responding to the request.
“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 praised the Office of the National Security Adviser and other security agencies for their collaboration in tackling violent crimes across 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,” he added.
The approval comes as residents of Babanla in Ifelodun Local Government Area continue to express concern over repeated attacks in the community. Locals have accused bandits of operating freely despite security interventions and claimed some influential figures discouraged them from speaking publicly about the incidents.
Tension rose again after armed men reportedly killed a resident and abducted another during an attack on Monday, deepening fears that criminal gangs are expanding their activities across parts of Igbomina land.
