President Bola Tinubu has approved the establishment of a new Nigerian Army battalion in Kwara State as part of efforts to strengthen security and intensify the fight against banditry, kidnapping and other violent crimes in the state. The new military formation will be located in Omu-Aran, headquarters of Irepodun Local Government Area.
The approval was announced by the Kwara State Government in a statement issued by the Deputy Chief Press Secretary to Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, Mashood Agboola. The governor described the decision as another demonstration of the Federal Government’s commitment to addressing the state’s growing security challenges.
According to the statement, the new battalion is expected to enhance troop deployment and military operations in vulnerable communities, particularly areas affected by recurrent kidnappings, banditry and other security threats.
“We are confident that the new battalion will greatly strengthen counterterrorism and anti-kidnapping operations across the state,” AbdulRazaq said.
The governor also commended the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, for the swift processing of the state’s request for increased military presence. He further acknowledged the support of the Office of the National Security Adviser and other security agencies for their coordinated efforts to combat violent crime across Kwara.
AbdulRazaq noted that security agencies are already intensifying joint operations to rescue kidnap victims, dismantle criminal hideouts and flush out armed groups from forested areas across 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 said.
The approval comes months after deadly attacks in parts of Kwara heightened calls for stronger military presence in the state. Authorities say the new battalion will reinforce ongoing security operations, improve rapid response to threats and enhance the protection of lives and property across affected communities.
