Gov AbdulRazaq receives new army battalion deployed to Kwara

Kwara State Governor, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, has met with senior Nigerian Army commanders over the deployment of a new battalion to Omu-Aran, the headquarters of Irepodun Local Government Area of the state.

AbdulRazaq shared the update on his official Facebook page on Tuesday, saying he received the troops alongside the General Officer Commanding 9 Division, Nigerian Army, and Joint Task Force Operation Savannah Shield, Major General Yakubu Yahaya, and the Commander, 22 Armoured Brigade, Ilorin, Brigadier General Nicholas Rume.

The governor said the new deployment would strengthen security operations in the state, particularly as the government and security agencies intensify efforts to tackle banditry, kidnapping and other security threats.

He said, “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.

“I am confident that this new deployment will boost our peace and security efforts in the state.”

The governor also disclosed that preparations were underway for the deployment of another Army battalion to the Patigi axis of the state.

“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,” he said.

AbdulRazaq commended President Bola Tinubu for approving the additional military deployments, saying the move demonstrated the Federal Government’s commitment to addressing security challenges in Kwara.

“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.

“I also commend the President’s recent approval of increased welfare packages for our soldiers. This is a major thing.

“It will, definitely, go a long way in boosting their morale in the fight against terrorism and other security threats,” AbdulRazaq said.

The development followed President Tinubu’s July approval for the establishment of a new Army battalion in Kwara as part of measures to strengthen security and intensify the fight against banditry, terrorism and other violent crimes.

The Omu-Aran battalion is expected to increase the deployment of troops and military hardware to the area and surrounding communities, particularly those facing security challenges.

AbdulRazaq had earlier announced the President’s approval in a statement issued by his Deputy Chief Press Secretary, Mashood Agboola, describing it as another demonstration of the Federal Government’s commitment to tackling insecurity in the state.

The planned deployment to Patigi is also expected to expand the Army’s operational presence in the state and complement existing security efforts aimed at protecting residents and communities.