Tinubu approves new army battalion for Kwara to tackle rising insecurity

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved the establishment of a new Nigerian Army battalion in Kwara State as part of efforts to strengthen security and curb rising cases of banditry, kidnapping, and other violent crimes.

The new battalion will be stationed in Omu Aran, the headquarters of Irepodun Local Government Area, and is expected to enhance troop deployment and military operations in vulnerable communities, particularly those affected by recurrent 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. He described the approval as a clear demonstration of the Federal Government’s commitment to addressing the security challenges confronting the state.

The governor expressed appreciation to President Tinubu for granting the request, noting that the new military formation would significantly reinforce ongoing counterterrorism and anti-kidnapping operations.
“We are confident that the new battalion will greatly strengthen counterterrorism and anti-kidnapping operations across the state,” AbdulRazaq said.

He also commended the Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Waidi Shaibu, for the prompt processing of the request, and acknowledged the support of the Office of the National Security Adviser and other security agencies in combating violent crime.
According to the governor, security agencies are intensifying coordinated operations to rescue kidnapped victims and dislodge criminal elements from forested areas across Kwara.

The approval comes amid growing concerns over insecurity in parts of the state, particularly in Babanla community in Ifelodun Local Government Area, where residents have reported repeated bandit attacks in recent months.