Kwara State Governor, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, has received a newly deployed Nigerian Army battalion at Omu-Aran, headquarters of Irepodun Local Government Area, as part of efforts to strengthen security across the state.
The governor disclosed this on Tuesday after meeting with senior Army commanders, including the General Officer Commanding 9 Division of the Nigerian Army and Joint Task Force Operation Savannah Shield, Major General Yakubu Yahaya, and the Commander, 22 Armoured Brigade, Ilorin, Brigadier General Nicholas Rume.
AbdulRazaq said the deployment would enhance security operations and support ongoing efforts to combat banditry, kidnapping and other violent crimes in the state.
“It was pleasant to welcome the troops to Kwara State. I thank the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Waidi Shaibu, for the swift deployment,” the governor said.
He added, “I am confident that this new deployment will boost our peace and security efforts in the state.”
The governor also revealed that preparations were underway for the establishment of another Army base in the Patigi axis of the state.
According to him, personnel were already working to identify a suitable location for the new battalion.
“Just as the battalion for Omu-Aran settles in, another team of the Nigerian Army is working tirelessly in Patigi to locate the new base for the battalion that will be deployed to that axis,” AbdulRazaq said.
He commended President Bola Tinubu for approving the additional military deployments, describing the decision as evidence of the Federal Government’s commitment to addressing insecurity in Kwara.
AbdulRazaq also praised the President for approving improved welfare packages for military personnel, saying the measure would boost the morale of troops fighting terrorism and other security threats.
“We appreciate President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, Commander-in-Chief of the Nigerian Armed Forces. We are truly grateful to Mr. President for paying special attention to Kwara,” he said.
The Omu-Aran deployment followed the President’s approval in July for the establishment of a new Army battalion in Kwara to strengthen the military’s response to banditry, terrorism and other forms of violent crime.
The additional troops are expected to increase the Army’s operational presence in Omu-Aran and surrounding communities, while the planned Patigi deployment is expected to further expand security coverage across the state.
