New Army Battalion Approved for Kwara State
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved the creation of a new Nigerian Army battalion in Kwara State, a move aimed at combating banditry, kidnapping and other violent crimes that have unsettled parts of the state. Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq announced the development in a statement issued on Tuesday by his Deputy Chief Press Secretary, Mashood Agboola. The governor described the federal approval as a clear sign of the government's willingness to address Kwara's growing security challenges head-on.
Location and Expected Impact
The new battalion will be based in Omu Aran, the headquarters of Irepodun Local Government Area, and is expected to strengthen troop presence and support military operations across vulnerable communities in the state. The establishment of the battalion is intended to bring military assets closer to affected areas and improve response times during security incidents.
Governor AbdulRazaq Expresses Gratitude
The governor expressed appreciation to President Tinubu for approving the military formation, saying it would reinforce ongoing counterterrorism and anti-kidnapping efforts. He also commended the Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Waidi Shaibu, for how quickly the request was processed, and acknowledged the Office of the National Security Adviser alongside other security agencies for their continued work in tackling violent crime. AbdulRazaq added that security agencies are already conducting coordinated operations to rescue kidnap victims and clear criminal elements from forests within the state.
Rising Insecurity in Kwara
The approval comes at a time of heightened anxiety over insecurity in several parts of Kwara. Residents of Babanla community in Ifelodun Local Government Area have raised repeated alarms over bandit attacks, drawing attention to the vulnerability of rural communities in the state. Kwara is one of the states in Nigeria confronted with the menace of insecurity. On February 4, 2026, there was a mass abduction in the Kaiama local government area. In the first half of the year, the state has experienced significant kidnappings in the Ekiti and Edu local government areas.
Broader Context of Security Efforts
The new battalion is part of broader federal efforts to address insecurity across Nigeria. The presidency has also defended President Tinubu against criticism from Peter Obi, the Labour Party presidential candidate, regarding electricity generation. Bayo Onanuga, special adviser to the president on information and strategy, stated that Nigeria's electricity problem is not a shortage of gas, highlighting the administration's focus on power sector reforms.
