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Nigeria’s President Bola Tinubu has approved the establishment of a new Army battalion in Kwara State, in line with efforts to strengthen security and intensify the fight against banditry, terrorism and other violent crimes in the state.
Kwara State Governor, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, disclosed this in a statement issued on Tuesday by his Deputy Chief Press Secretary, Mashood Agboola.
AbdulRazaq said the approval was another demonstration of the Nigerian Government’s commitment to addressing security challenges in the state.
The governor expressed appreciation to Tinubu for approving the new military formation, saying it would strengthen ongoing counterterrorism and anti-kidnapping operations across 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 counterterrorism and anti-kidnapping operations across various theatres.
“Specifically, I express our appreciation to the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, for the swiftness with which he graciously processed our request for more hands to strengthen the presence of the Army in the state,” the governor said.
AbdulRazaq further acknowledged the contributions of the Office of the National Security Adviser and other security agencies for their sustained efforts in combating violent crimes across Kwara.
“Of particular note are the other discreet, multi-agency efforts of government to stamp out kidnappings, free all victims, and clear all unwanted elements from our forests,” he added.
The development follows growing concerns over worsening insecurity in parts of Kwara State, especially in Babanla community in Ifelodun Local Government Area.
Residents say bandits continue to operate freely despite repeated security operations.
Residents had earlier raised new concerns about the security situation, alleging that some influential people have discouraged them from speaking publicly about the repeated attacks.
The latest concerns came after Monday’s attack, in which gunmen reportedly killed one resident and abducted another.
The incident has increased fears among residents, who say Babanla has become a major base for criminal gangs carrying out attacks across parts of Igbomina land.
