Kwara State Governor, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, has held talks with top Nigerian Army commanders following the deployment of a new battalion to Omu-Aran, the administrative headquarters of Irepodun Local Government Area.

AbdulRazaq announced the update on his verified Facebook page on Tuesday, confirming he received the military personnel alongside the General Officer Commanding 9 Division of the Nigerian Army and Joint Task Force Operation Savannah Shield, Major General Yakubu Yahaya, and the Commander of the 22 Armoured Brigade in Ilorin, Brigadier General Nicholas Rume.

The governor explained that the newly posted troops will strengthen security activities across the state, particularly as authorities and security formations scale up operations to curb banditry, kidnapping, and related criminal activities.

“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,” he stated.

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

The governor also revealed that steps are currently being taken to deploy an additional Army battalion to the Patigi region 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 noted.

AbdulRazaq praised President Bola Tinubu for approving the extra military formations, noting that the gesture highlights the Federal Government’s resolve to tackle 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 added.

This movement follows an approval granted by President Tinubu in July to establish a new Army battalion in Kwara as part of strategic measures to fortify local security and intensify the crackdown on banditry, terrorism, and violent offenses.

The Omu-Aran detachment is expected to increase the presence of military personnel and hardware within the area and surrounding communities, particularly those experiencing security threats.

AbdulRazaq had previously made the President’s clearance public through an official release by his Deputy Chief Press Secretary, Mashood Agboola, calling it another clear proof of the central government’s commitment to addressing safety concerns in the state.

The incoming detachment for Patigi is similarly intended to extend the Army’s operational footprint state-wide and support existing security efforts focused on safeguarding citizens and local communities.