President Bola Tinubu has approved the establishment of a new Nigerian Army battalion in Kwara State as part of renewed efforts to combat banditry, terrorism, kidnapping, and other violent crimes threatening the region.
The new military formation will be sited in Omu Aran, the headquarters of Irepodun Local Government Area.
It is expected to boost the deployment of troops and military equipment, strengthening security operations in communities that have witnessed a surge in attacks by armed criminals.
Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq of Kwara State announced the approval in a statement released on Tuesday through his Deputy Chief Press Secretary, Mashood Agboola.
He described the move as another clear indication of the Federal Government’s determination to restore peace and improve security across the state.
Expressing gratitude to President Tinubu, the governor said the new battalion would significantly reinforce ongoing counterterrorism and anti-kidnapping operations.
“On behalf of the people and government of Kwara State, I sincerely thank President Bola Tinubu for fulfilling yet another promise to our state.
“We are confident that the establishment of this battalion will strengthen security efforts and improve the fight against terrorism and kidnapping across affected areas,” AbdulRazaq said.
He also commended the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, for swiftly processing the state’s request for increased military presence, describing the response as timely and commendable.
The governor further acknowledged the contributions of the Office of the National Security Adviser and other security agencies for their coordinated efforts to dismantle criminal networks, rescue kidnap victims, and flush out armed groups hiding in forested areas across the state.
The approval comes amid growing concerns over worsening insecurity in parts of Kwara, particularly in Babanla, a community in Ifelodun Local Government Area.
Residents have repeatedly raised alarm over persistent attacks by bandits, alleging that the criminals continue to operate with little resistance despite ongoing security operations. Some community members also claimed they had been discouraged by influential individuals from speaking publicly about the deteriorating security situation.
The latest concerns followed a deadly attack on Monday in which suspected gunmen reportedly killed one resident and abducted another.
The incident has intensified fears among locals, who believe Babanla has become a major operational base for criminal gangs terrorising communities across the Igbomina axis of the state.
Source – BarristerNG
(vitalnewsngr.com)
