The Oyo Alaafin Forum, Abuja, has commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Minister of Defence General Christopher Musa and the Nigerian Army for the establishment of the 7 Brigade Headquarters in Oyo town.

The group said the approval is a major boost to security in Oyo State and the entire South West, especially amid rising cases of banditry, kidnapping and communal threats.

President Bola Tinubu recently approved the establishment of three new military barracks – a Brigade and Garrison in Oyo, a Battalion Barracks in Kishi in northern Oyo, and an Artillery Regiment Barracks in Ile-Ife, Osun State. The two other barracks will be under the command of the Oyo Brigade for supervision.

The General Officer Commanding, GOC, 2 Mechanized Division, Major General Auwalu Mahmuda, who assumed command on August 3, 2026, at the Adekunle Fajuyi Cantonment, Ibadan, disclosed the approval during a courtesy visit to the Alaafin of Oyo, His Imperial Majesty Oba Abimbola Akeem Owoade I, at his palace in Oyo.

According to the GOC, the establishment of the Brigade is part of the strategic vision of the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. General Waidi Shaibu, to expand the presence of the Nigerian Army and deploy more troops to effectively respond to contemporary security challenges.

The first batch of troops has already arrived Oyo and were accommodated at the temporary site at Ote-Efon, rehabilitated under the supervision of the Personal Assistant to the Alaafin, Rev. Dr. Kolade Oladele. The permanent site at Ote-Efon was donated by the Oyo community.

The Alaafin, while receiving the GOC, lauded the Nigerian Army for strengthening security and promoting stability in the ancient Oyo Kingdom. He thanked the President and the Minister of Defence for approving the base, saying it would strengthen security, improve rapid response to threats and protect lives and property across Oyo Federal Constituency and neighbouring LGAs.

The Oyo Alaafin Forum in Abuja, in a statement, echoed the Alaafin’s position, describing the decision as a memorable one that shows the Federal Government has listened to the cries of the people.

“Today is a memorable one. A day that the Federal Government has decided that the people of Oyo matter and deserve attention. A day that protection is finally coming to the people against banditry and other criminal onslaughts,” the Forum said, aligning with the position of the Chairman of Oyo Metropolitan Development Association, Archbishop Emeritus Ayo Ladigbolu.

The Forum noted that integrated bases near communities facilitate joint intelligence gathering, rapid response and community engagement, while also creating jobs and stimulating local economic activity.

It pledged the support of Oyo indigenes in Abuja and at home for the successful take-off of the Brigade and assured troops of hospitality and cooperation.