President Bola Tinubu don approve the establishment of a new Nigerian Army battalion for Kwara State as part of efforts to tackle rising insecurity, bandit attacks and kidnappings across the state.
The new military formation go dey located for Omu Aran, the headquarters of Irepodun Local Government Area, and e go help increase the number of soldiers and military equipment available for security operations.
Kwara State Governor, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, announce the development through a statement released by his Deputy Chief Press Secretary, Mashood Agboola, on Tuesday.
According to the governor, the approval show say the Federal Government remain committed to ending insecurity and protecting lives and property in Kwara.
“On behalf of the people and government of Kwara State, I thank President Tinubu for another promise wey e don fulfil,” AbdulRazaq talk.
The governor express confidence say the new battalion go strengthen ongoing operations against terrorists, kidnappers and other criminal groups operating within the state.
He also thank the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Waidi Shaibu, for quickly processing the request for additional military presence in Kwara.
AbdulRazaq further praise the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) and other security agencies for their continuous efforts to rescue kidnap victims, fight criminal gangs and flush out bandits hiding inside forests.
The approval come at a time when residents of Babanla community in Ifelodun Local Government Area dey raise alarm over increasing bandit attacks in the area.
Community members claim say armed criminals still dey operate freely despite several security operations.
The latest concern follow an attack on Monday where gunmen allegedly kill one resident and kidnap another person.
Many residents fear say the area don become one of the major hideouts for criminal gangs terrorising parts of Igbomina land.
With the new battalion expected to begin operations soon, many residents hope say military presence go help reduce kidnappings, banditry and other violent crimes across Kwara State.
