Army battalion begins operations in Kwara South

A Nigerian Army battalion has begun operations in Omu-Aran, headquarters of Irepodun Local Government Area of Kwara State, as part of efforts to strengthen security in the southern part of the state.

The Omu-Aran Development Association (ODA) disclosed this in a statement issued by its Public Relations Officer, Lateef Oladipo, following the commencement of operations by the troops.

The battalion is commanded by Kehinde Ajose and operates under the 22 Armoured Brigade, Sobi, commanded by Brigadier-General Nicolas Rume.

Mr Rume said the deployment was approved by President Bola Tinubu to strengthen security and protect lives and property across Kwara South.

“The military personnel are in the area to stabilise the security situation, enhance peace and security, and decisively tackle criminal activities across Kwara South,” he said.

He urged residents to cooperate with the troops and provide information that could assist their operations.

Rising insecurity

The deployment comes amid growing concerns over kidnapping and other violent crimes in parts of Kwara, particularly rural communities in the southern and eastern parts of the state.

PREMIUM TIMES recently reported the desertion of Owa-Onire in Ifelodun Local Government Area after repeated attacks by suspected bandits.

A video recorded by policemen deployed to the community showed deserted houses, shops and other buildings, including the palace of the traditional ruler.

The development followed reports of repeated attacks and kidnappings that forced residents to leave their homes and seek safety elsewhere.

PREMIUM TIMES also reported the abduction of the traditional ruler of Olayinka in Ifelodun Local Government Area, Salman Aweda.

Mr Aweda was later confirmed dead in captivity after his abductors reportedly demanded ₦21 million, two motorcycles and petrol as conditions for his release.

The incidents have heightened concerns about the ability of security agencies to protect communities and farmlands in the affected areas.

Wider deployment

The operation in Omu-Aran is part of a broader plan to expand the military’s presence across Kwara.

PREMIUM TIMES gathered on 11 August that the Kwara State Government said five new Army battalions had been approved for the state.

The newspaper found that the existing brigade in Kwara would be relocated to Bode Saadu, while another military team had visited Patigi to identify a location for a new battalion.

The state government also said arrangements for the establishment of the 9 Division of the Nigerian Army in Kwara were already taking shape.

Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq earlier said the deployment was intended to strengthen the state’s security architecture and address internal security challenges.

“This is a call to duty. This is internal security. It is beyond the normal conventional warfare and the military is trained to adapt,” Mr AbdulRazaq said, according to The Guardian.

Community cooperation

The ODA president, Niyi Adeyeye, thanked Mr Tinubu and Mr AbdulRazaq for their efforts towards improving security in Kwara South.

The Olomu of Omu-Aran, AbdulRaheem Adeoti, also welcomed the deployment and assured the military of the community’s cooperation.

Lasisi Abidoye, a retired army major-general, commended the military for its role in recent security operations in the area and expressed confidence that the troops would successfully carry out their assignment.

The ODA said the military presence was expected to improve security, facilitate economic activities and encourage residents who had fled affected communities to return.