President Tinubu approves a new Nigerian Army battalion in Omu-Aran, Kwara, to strengthen security and tackle kidnapping and banditry.
ILORIN, KWARA STATE — President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved the establishment of a new Nigerian Army battalion in Omu-Aran, Irepodun Local Government Area of Kwara State, in a move aimed at strengthening security and enhancing military operations against kidnapping, banditry and other violent crimes.
The development was announced by Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, who described the approval as a significant boost to the state's security architecture amid growing concerns over attacks in parts of Kwara and neighbouring North Central states.
In a statement, Governor AbdulRazaq expressed appreciation to President Tinubu for approving the new military formation, describing the decision as another demonstration of the Federal Government's commitment to protecting lives and property.
He also commended the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, for the swift processing of the state's request for increased military presence.
The governor further acknowledged the contributions of the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), the Department of State Services (DSS), the Nigeria Police Force, and other security agencies for their continued efforts in addressing insecurity across the state.
According to the governor, the new battalion is expected to strengthen counterterrorism, anti-kidnapping and anti-banditry operations, particularly in communities that have experienced repeated security threats.
He added that the Federal Government is also implementing coordinated multi-agency operations aimed at rescuing kidnapped victims, dismantling criminal camps and clearing forests used as hideouts by armed groups.
Governor AbdulRazaq reaffirmed his administration's commitment to supporting security agencies with logistics, intelligence and collaboration needed to sustain peace across Kwara State.
Omu-Aran is strategically located in southern Kwara and serves as a gateway connecting the state with parts of Kogi, Ekiti and Osun states.
Security analysts believe the location of the battalion could improve rapid military response to criminal activities along major highways and vulnerable border communities where kidnappings and armed attacks have become more frequent.
The approval comes as several North Central states, including Benue, Plateau, Niger, Nasarawa, Kogi and Kwara, continue to battle rising cases of kidnapping, banditry, attacks on farming communities and violent crimes.
Recent security operations in the region have resulted in the rescue of kidnapping victims, arrests of suspected criminals and increased deployment of security personnel. However, residents have continued to call for stronger military presence in rural communities and along major transport corridors.
The establishment of the new battalion is expected to complement existing security efforts and improve coordination among the military, police and other security agencies operating in Kwara and neighbouring states.
The approval of a new Nigerian Army battalion for Kwara represents a significant investment in the security of North Central Nigeria.
Beyond increasing troop presence, its success will depend on intelligence-driven operations, effective collaboration with local communities and sustained support from both the federal and state governments.
If properly equipped and integrated into ongoing security operations, the battalion could enhance the protection of vulnerable communities, improve response times to emergencies and strengthen efforts to combat organised criminal groups operating across the region.
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