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 combating criminal activities across the state.
The approval was disclosed in a statement issued by the Deputy Chief Press Secretary to the Kwara State Governor, Mashood AbdulRafiu Agboola.
According to the statement, the new military formation is expected to reinforce security operations in areas affected by banditry, kidnapping, terrorism and other violent crimes by increasing the deployment of military personnel and operational assets. 
Kwara State Governor, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, expressed appreciation to President Tinubu for approving the request, describing the decision as a significant step toward improving security and protecting lives and property.
The governor also commended the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, for the swift processing of the state’s request for an expanded military presence.
He said the establishment of the battalion would strengthen the capacity of security agencies to respond more effectively to threats posed by bandits, terrorists and other criminal elements operating within and around the state.
> “On behalf of the people and government of our state, I wholeheartedly thank Mr. President for yet another promise kept to the state. We are confident that the new battalion will greatly strengthen counter-terrorism and anti-kidnapping operations across various areas,” the governor said.
AbdulRazaq further acknowledged the contributions of the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), the Nigerian Armed Forces, the Department of State Services (DSS), the Nigeria Police Force and other security agencies for their continued efforts in tackling insecurity in Kwara State.
He reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to supporting coordinated security operations aimed at curbing kidnapping, banditry and other violent crimes while ensuring the safety and well-being of residents across the state.
