BREAKING NEWS: Tinubu Approves New Army Battalion for Kwara to Tackle 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 operations and combat rising cases of banditry, kidnapping, and other violent crimes.

The new military formation will be located in Omu-Aran, the headquarters of Irepodun Local Government Area, and is expected to enhance troop deployment, improve response capabilities, and support ongoing security operations across the state.

Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq announced the development in a statement released on Tuesday by his Deputy Chief Press Secretary, Mashood Agboola.

The governor described the approval as a clear indication of the Federal Government’s commitment to addressing security challenges in Kwara State. He expressed appreciation to President Tinubu for approving the battalion, noting that it would provide additional support for counterterrorism and anti-kidnapping operations.

“We are confident that the new battalion will greatly strengthen counterterrorism and anti-kidnapping efforts across the state,” AbdulRazaq stated.

The governor also commended the Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Waidi Shaibu, for the prompt handling of the request, while appreciating the Office of the National Security Adviser and other security agencies for their continued efforts in tackling violent crimes.

AbdulRazaq revealed that security agencies are currently conducting coordinated operations aimed at rescuing kidnapped victims and clearing criminal elements from forests and other hideouts across the state.

The approval comes amid growing concerns over insecurity in some parts of Kwara, particularly Babanla community in Ifelodun Local Government Area, where residents have raised alarms over repeated attacks by suspected bandits.

The establishment of the new battalion is expected to further strengthen security presence and improve the government’s response to emerging threats in the state.