Tinubu Approves New Army Battalion For Kwara Over Insecurity

President Bola Tinubu has approved a new Army battalion for Kwara State as security concerns deepen in parts of the state.

The battalion will be based in Omu Aran, headquarters of Irepodun Local Government Area. The state government says the formation should increase troop deployment and strengthen operations against banditry, kidnapping and other violent crimes.

Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq announced the approval in a statement issued by his Deputy Chief Press Secretary, Mashood Agboola. He thanked Tinubu and said the move would support counterterrorism and anti-kidnapping operations across affected communities.

“We are confident that the new battalion will greatly strengthen counterterrorism and anti-kidnapping operations,” the governor said, according to Daily Trust.

Punch reported that the approval comes as security agencies carry out operations to rescue kidnapped victims and clear forests used by criminal groups. Daily Trust said concerns have recently grown around Babanla in Ifelodun Local Government Area, where residents have alleged repeated bandit attacks.

The state government also commended the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Waidi Shaibu, the Office of the National Security Adviser and other security agencies for their roles in processing the request.

Sources: Punch, Daily Trust